Eager to make up for lost time, Gambian center Omar John has already proven his worth in National University’s perfect 2-0 start in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Sidelined last year after the arrival of Malian big man Mo Diassana — who unfortunately suffered a season-ending ACL injury in NU’s very first game of Season 87 — John used the setback as motivation.
Rather than resting on his laurels, he worked tirelessly to re-establish himself for Jeff Napa’s redemption-seeking Bulldogs.
After finishing seventh last season, John dedicated his one-year layoff to a holistic recovery — combining physical training with spiritual and mental growth. That preparation has fueled NU’s early rise to a share of first place in Season 88, a far cry from the Bulldogs’ 2-5 start last year.
In convincing wins over the University of the East and Far Eastern University, the 23-year-old center averaged 12 points on 64.5 percent shooting (11-of-17), along with 5.5 rebounds, one steal, and one block per game. His standout performance came against the Tamaraws, where he posted 16 points and nine rebounds.
“Throughout last year, I may not have played, but I did not relax. I worked hard, not only physically, but spiritually and mentally also,” John told Tiebreaker Times in an exclusive interview Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I know coming into this season, I have to show I’m still here to help my team. I think we deserve more than just reaching the Final Four. I used that for preparation,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Still, John downplayed the idea that his strong start this season was driven by a need to prove Napa and the NU coaching staff wrong for sitting him out last year.
For the 6-foot-10 product of Private High School El H. Barro Ndieguene, his focus is simple: doing whatever it takes to help NU chase the UAAP men’s basketball crown, which the Bulldogs last won in Season 77 (2014).
“It’s not about eagerness, but about helping my team. We all talk about how to reach something, but in order to reach it, we have to work hard. It’s all about the team, not individually,” John shared.
“Every day, we say that we should keep our eyes on the prize — the championship. Hopefully, we can go all the way this year.”
Beyond the brotherhood he has built since arriving in Jhocson in 2023, John credited his resurgence to Coach Napa, who never lost faith in him even when he wasn’t playing.
“He always trusted me, even if I did not play last year. I showed up to practice every time, helped the team, and supported them during games. We are family,” John said.
For his part, Napa emphasized that John’s growth stems from his discipline and willingness to stay within the system — qualities that will be crucial when NU faces a familiar foe, former Bullpup Collins Akowe, and the University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday, October 1, at UST’s home court.
“We’re always reminding Omar to stay in shape, stay focused, and stick to the system because that’s his strength,” Napa said of John’s contributions to NU’s perfect start in Season 88.
“Once he tries to play individually, medyo doon kami sumasabog. Pero once he sticks to the system, malaki ang naitutulong niya sa team. At least right now, successful siya in limiting the opponents.”
