Now in his final year in the UAAP, PJ Palacielo knows that the responsibility of keeping National University in contention rests on his shoulders.
More so after last year’s seniors Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, Jolo Manansala, Gelo Santiago, and Mark Parks moved on, leaving Palacielo and Kenshin Padrones to lead the Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
But the 6-foot-6 big man is also not alone in the journey, as he believes NU’s rookies are ready to step up and contribute whenever called upon.
“Sa akin naman, may tiwala ako sa ibang pumalit eh. Kumbaga, learning experience para sa kanila kasi sabi ko nga sa kanila, hindi porke’t bago kayo, balewala na kayo sa team, kumbaga hindi na namin kayo pupuntahan,” said Palacielo on Sunday after NU dropped its season opener to De La Salle University, 87–89.
“Sabi ko, kaming mga go-to-guys, hindi naman all the time suwerte kami. May mga bad games din naman kami, and kung sino yung willing mag-step up, doon ka makikilala, doon makikita yung laro mo.”
He was referring to young players Macmac Alfanta, Chad Cartel, Kurl Figueroa, and Jedric Solomon, who are next in line to carry on NU’s basketball bloodline from Nazareth School to the collegiate level.
Palacielo came off the bench in the Bulldogs’ first game of the season but still delivered a well-rounded performance of 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal. However, he also had his share of questionable moments down the stretch that could have helped NU turn the game around.
With the Green Archers holding an 88-87 lead and Jacob Cortez at the line for two free throws — which he missed both — Palacielo failed to secure the crucial defensive rebound. That allowed Mason Amos to swoop in and split his own charities.
Then, on the Bulldogs’ final attempt to either send the game to overtime or win it with a three-pointer, Palacielo found himself wide open in the right corner, but his shot fell well short, handing La Salle the victory.
Showing maturity, Palacielo shrugged off both the loss and his late-game miscues.
“Move forward lang. Maganda pa rin naman yung nilaro ngayon eh. Hindi naman A-game ang lahat ng nilaro namin. Parang hindi kami yung first half eh. Second half nandoon kami pero hindi pa rin talaga sapat eh,” said NU’s new leader.
“Move forward, bawi na lang. Kung ano yung mistakes namin makikita naman namin yun eh. Kahit ako eh yung tira ko kanina, yung mga crucial, sabi ko siguro sa ibang games magagawa ko na yun.”
WATCH: BE LIKE JAKE 🏀
PJ Palacielo hopes to fill the leadership and production void left by Jake Figueroa this #UAAPSeason89 #ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/x9XzyAJE8p
📹 Adrianne Veloso/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/aClQ30TWZ9
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 13, 2026
