National University star Jake Figueroa against University of the East in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University’s bid to return to the upper half of UAAP men’s basketball in Season 88 started on the right note.
READ: UAAP — National U pulls away in 3rd to dominate UE in Season 88 opener
Jeff Napa’s Bulldogs opened their campaign with a bang, beating University of the East in dominant fashion after they completed a pullaway in the second half.
It was National U’s performance on both ends of the floor that worked wonders for them against the promising Red Warriors side, and veteran Jake Figueroa was pleased with how they performed in their first game of the season.
“Nandoon yung effort at aggressiveness namin on both offense and defense,” the the do-it-all wingman, who finished with 16 points, six rebounds, five steals, three assists, and two blocks
“Thankful ako na first game namin, nakuha kamin. Mas confident kami lalo sa mga paparating na games namin,” he added.
Last year, after three straight seasons of finishing third, the Bulldogs only had five wins against nine losses, placing second to last in the eight-team UAAP field.
That is why prior to Season 88, the Bulldogs focused on rediscovering the aggressiveness that has brought National U success in recent years.
“Ang gusto ni Coach Jeff kasi andoon yung aggressiveness namin,” he said. “Kailangan every game ready kami dun.”
“Minsan kasi, may tendency sila mag relax eh, ang daming gusto pang gawin,” Napa added. “So yun yung reminder naming coaches, wag masyadong mag enjoy. We need to settle down, we need to relax, and we need to focus.”
But in addition to the mentality that Napa wants his team to maintain, another factor — or in this case, player — who needs to remain consistently reliable is none other than team captain Figueroa.
Now in his last year in Jhocson Street, the 6-foot-3 wingman is on a mission to lift his teammates back to the Final 4 after a down year last year.
And where does he draw strength to do this? Of course, it is through the trust that Napa has given to him.
“‘Di ko rin alam eh, pero siyempre, andoon yung tiwala ni Coach Jeff sa akin,” answered Napa when asked about what motivates him to do well this year.
“Andoon yung tiwalang binibigay niya sa akin: ‘Ikaw yung magpapanalo, ikaw rin yung magpapatalo.’ So kami, kahit matalo or manalo magkakasama pa rin naman kami,” he added.
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