National University‘s Jake Figueroa. Photo from FilOil EcoOil Sports.MANILA — National University aims to reclaim its spot among the best squads in UAAP men’s basketball after missing out on the postseason last year.
READ: Brighter lights, bigger stage expected in UAAP Season 88
Jeff Napa’s Bulldogs had only five wins against nine losses in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament, falling short of reaching the Final 4 after two consecutive third-place finishes in 2022 and 2023.
And after a busy offseason which saw them duel with University of the Philippines in the 18th FilOil Preseason Cup Finals, and then go against home squads in their trips to China and Korea, Napa’s message for his squad is clear as they enter Season 88.
“Mas china-challenge ko pa sila when it comes to leadership,” said the former NU sniper. “Kailangan pa ng leadership para sa maturity ng team. Lahat naman sila, sinasabihan ko: ‘Anybody can be a leader.’”
National U is set to be led by their main men Jake Figueroa and Jolo Manansala, lead guards Steve Nash Enriquez and Reinhard Jumamoy, and PJ Palacielo and the returning Omar John.
This gives the Bulldogs a relatively intact core as only Pat Yu and Donn Lim were the vital cogs from Season 87 who left the program.
However, considering the familiarity and continuity that NU boasts, this is also the reason why Napa has maintained high expectations for his men from Jhocson Street.
“Lagi naman mataas ang expectations at demand ko sa kanila, hard approach, kumbaga,” he emphasized. “Mataas ang expectations ko every season. Lalo na sa graduating players namin. Hindi naging maganda yung campaign namin last year, so dapat mas maganda yung approach nila.”
Circling back to Napa’s challenge of leadership, and with team captain Figueroa’s responsibility already expected, the ball is now in the hands of NU’s main ballhandlers Enriquez and Jumamoy.
For Coach Jeff, it is not the two guards’ respective talents which is in question. Rather, it is how consistent and steady they will be in steering the Bulldogs to reach, or even exceed their potential.
“Yun yung kailangan nila, yung maturity talaga, para mag-live up sa expectations,” he insisted. “Andito naman kami as coaches to guide them kung anong kailangan nila, pero ang ine-emphasize ko is I want to see them step up.”
In Season 87, the 5-foot-9 Enriquez posted 6.1 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 14 games, while the 5-foot-11 Jumamoy scattered 4.7 markers, 1.6 boards, and 1.4 dimes in the same number of appearances.
National University‘s Steve Nash Enriquez (#13), Reinhard Jumamoy (#12), and Jolo Manansala (#10). Photo from FilOil EcoOil Sports.But aside from better on-court play, Napa is urging the duo to extend their improvement off the hardwood.
“Madali naman yung tulong namin, pero yung sarili nila, kailangan nila tulungan kung paano nila ia-approach yung bigger stages,” the former Colegio de San Juan de Letran coach said. “Lahat na ng mga correction, ginawa na namin para makuha namin kung anong gusto namin this season.”
In addition to their pair of star guards, Napa is also urging the 6-foot-4 Manansala to further spread his wings for NU as a bigger role is expected for the 22-year-old forward.
“He is one of our leaders, pero hindi ko pa naramdaman nung unang parts ng offseason, so yun yung in-emphasize ko,” said Napa. “I want to see him step up, and hopefully, masolusyonan niya yan sa sarili niya muna.”
Manansala normed 8.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.7 steals coming off the bench last year, and Napa is looking for him to engage in a higher gear come Season 88.
“Madali naman yung tulong ko,” said Napa. “Pero yung sa sarili niya muna, dapat magawan niya ng paraan kung paano niya ia-approach yung game sa bigger stage, para mas madali namin siyang ma-guide.
Fortunately for Nationalians, it’s now only a matter of executing these in the main stage, as Napa shared that he has seen what he has been looking for from Enriquez, Jumamoy, Manansala, and the rest of the Bulldogs over their offseason preps.
“Mas gusto ko makita yung mga players ko bago ko sila i-rate,” he answered when asked about their progress. “Pero I’m very confident na maganda yung turnout nung training camp namin. Nasa right approach kami coming into the season, and naging maganda yung preparations namin.”
“Sa laro na lang kailangan ipakita talaga,” added Napa.
The Bulldogs open their UAAP Season 88 campaign on Sunday, September 21, 1:00 p.m., against University of the East at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
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