1 week Ago By JR Isaga
MANILA, Philippines – The NU Bulldogs were tabbed as one of the better contenders coming into the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament and were expected to rank just a few steps below the likes of surefire title-chasers UP and defending champion La Salle. Four minutes into their first game, however, the Bulldogs faced disaster after new foreign student-athlete Mo Diassana suffered a season-ending injury against the mighty Green Archers. While it was not a stretch to expect NU would slide hard from there, the undersized Bulldogs made believers out of doubters, as they scrapped hard with each passing game and only fell short by two possessions or less in a staggering seven of their nine total losses for the season.
Hell-bent on making a loud parting statement, the Bulldogs blew out none other than title-contending UP and La Salle in two of their final three games, earning the distinction of being the only team in the league to beat both powerhouses. That was all head coach Jeff Napa needed to see to bow out of the season with a smile, content with the fight his boys showed amid all the heartbreaks. “So happy with my players for giving their best up to the last.
See you next year, it’s that simple,” said the former Bulldogs star player in Filipino. “Hopefully, we get healthy next year so at least we’d have better performances.” As Diassana stepped down, multiple front court standouts stepped up, including all-around slasher Jake Figueroa, burly banger PJ Palacielo, and stretch big Jolo Manansala.
Their combined dominance down low boosted Napa’s confidence that NU can easily improve in Seasons 88 and beyond, especially as floor generals Steve Nash Enriquez, Reinhard Jumamoy, and Tebol Garcia all got much-needed minutes and chemistry with the Bulldogs’ wings and bigs. “I’m happy that they fought through our challenges no matter what happened. We’re looking forward to perform next year with added anger,” Napa continued.
“Even though we’re about to lose our engineers (Pat Yu and Donn Lim), others are willing to step up and become leaders.” “PJ has two playing years and he already showed what he’s got. He’s understood his value to the team.
We’re expecting a lot from here next year alongside Jake, Jolo, and Nash. The core is there and we’ll add more young guys.” In the last few years, NU has earned a reputation of bringing the pain to all teams — contenders or otherwise — without established stars in its midst.
This season and the next few are likely no different. No flash nor pomp, the Bulldogs are always here to stay. – Rappler.
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