Steve Nash Enriquez in action for National University against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University has maintained its spot at the top of UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball all thanks to its latest win on Sunday, and at the forefront of this was Steve Nash Enriquez.
The veteran Bulldog caught fire with 16 points on 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc as they repeated over De La Salle University this year via a 75-67 win.
But for Enriquez, what really needs to be credited is how head coach Jeff Napa has been taking care of them.
READ: National U reasserts mastery of La Salle to stay on top
“Tough love, syempre masakit, pero thankful ako na ganito,” said the Cebuano guard as the Bulldogs protected their league-leading record of eight wins against only two losses.
“Pero kung ite-take mo siya as masakit, mahirap yun. Kaya lagi kong sinasabi sa teammates ko, pagkatapos natin ng college, maganda na dumaan tayo sa ganitong coach,” he added.
National U’s impressive campaign so far has been a turnaround from how they competed in Season 87, wherein they finished second to last with a 5-9 record.
But while the Bulldogs are in a good position to end the elimination round in a much better spot, Napa urged his men to further raise their ceiling to continue reaping the fruits of their labor.
“Nakikita ko yung bigger picture, at thankful ako na sila yung kasama ko dito kasi natutunan kong hindi dapat ako makuntento,” the former NU sniper said.
“Yung relationship namin, healthy for us. Hindi namin para baguhin kung ano man yung ginagawa namin kasi meron pa akong misyon para sa kanila,” added Napa.