As National University’s UAAP Season 87 campaign came to a close seven months ago, head coach Jeff Napa was already setting his sights on the future — particularly on building around the core of the Bullpups with the Bulldogs.
“Lalagyan lang namin ng mga bata doon sa baba gaya ni (Jedric) Solomon at ni (Miguel) Palanca. Talagang inaantay ko na lang matapos yung high school para makapaglaro sila sa Bulldogs,” said Napa, in his fourth year at the helm.
“Given na ‘yon si Collins (Akowe), kumbaga, it’s up to us. Local pa rin yung hinahanap namin ‘eh na magsu-support sa mga nandito ngayon.”
However, two of those key pieces are no longer in the picture.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Palanca was the first to depart.
Despite being listed in NU’s rosters for both the Pinoyliga and Filoil tournaments, the 6-foot-7 big man chose to explore other options and test the market. He is currently in Cebu, weighing the opportunities ahead of him.
Akowe’s situation unfolded differently.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
While the 6-foot-10 Nigerian — who made history as the first-ever UAAP Best Foreign Student-Athlete — was part of NU’s Pinoyliga lineup, the Bulldogs’ Team A included the returning Omar John.
On Tuesday, Akowe made the decision to leave.
“As this journey ends, I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of it, especially those who have guided me and helped me during times of confusion and hardship. I will definitely remember every step of this journey. It’s been a long run!” he wrote in a heartfelt post.
“It feels so satisfying and surreal to finally say, ‘On to the next.’”
Palanca responded with a message of support: “See you, bro!”
Both prospects are now considering offers from other UAAP schools.
For now, however, they are preparing to graduate from National University-Nazareth School this week.
