National University has lost one of its Bullpups.
The player — whose identity has been withheld for the time being — initially “committed” to NU but reportedly “backed out” of the agreement.
However, those close to the teenager offer a different version of the story.
According to a source close to the NU Nazareth School standout, the player was asked to commit to NU even before the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament began last January.
“Nung tinanong siya nung time na ‘yun kung magste-stay ba siya, hindi niya alam paano sasagutin yung tanong na ‘yun that time. Siguro, dahil nahihiya rin siya nun, kaya nag-yes siya,” the source told Tiebreaker Times.
“Pero kung babalikan natin, masyadong maaga pa para mag-commit nung time na ‘yun kasi hindi pa nga nagsisimula yung UAAP nila nun.”
Following the season, the Bullpup’s family began receiving interest from several schools — not only within the UAAP, but also from the NCAA.
“Bilang isang player, kasama sa experience yung makakausap mo yung iba’t ibang coaches at makapunta sa iba’t ibang schools, ‘di ba?” the source added.
“Doon mo mararamdaman yung pinaghirapan mo buong high school career mo.”
On Thursday, the player officially said goodbye to NU — a decision that, according to reports, was not received well by the team’s staff.
A rival coach also weighed in on the situation.
The coach recalled a similar incident back in 2021, when UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Basketball MVP Jake Figueroa had committed to staying at Adamson University.
However, just six months after, Figueroa de-committed and ultimately enrolled at National University.
(C) PBA Images
NU also saw the duo of Janjan Felicilda, Reyland Torres, and Kean Baclaan leave the school after one season.
