The National University Bulldogs will be in a rebuilding stage in Season 84 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
That’s because many of their graduating high school players have transferred to other varsity squads for college.
“Sa NU kasi medyo ang dami nu’ng blue chip na na-recruit ng ibang schools. Sa akin, blue chip nga sila, pero pandemic naman ngayon, so zero zero lahat. Sa akin ang nagma-matter dito ay ‘yung how you teach sa mga mare-recruit mo, so hindi ako tumitingin kung superstar ka or ano, basta sa akin if you’re willing to learn saka willing to sacrifice, willing to prove kung ano man ‘yung gusto mo i-prove,” said returning coach Jeff Napa.
Napa, who took the place of Jamike Jarin last October, came back to a squad which lost four collegiate and junior players.
Among them was Dave Ildefonso, who went to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, while former Bullpups Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano found their way into the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ camp.
On the other hand, Kevin Quiambao decided to skip his final year of eligibility and went over to the La Salle Green Archers.
It is still not known if Quiambao can play his final year in the league, now that the league has skipped a season.
His chances of joining the team in Season 85 will depend on the adjustments that the UAAP will make with its eligibility rules.
Napa hopes that the new recruits for next season will be those are willing to learn and are coachable.
“Marami akong kasama na coaches na magagaling magturo, so madali na para sa amin. Kung sino man ‘yung mapunta dito sa NU na magturo dahil confident ako talaga na kahit anong ituro namin sa kanila they will accept talaga,” added Napa.
Napa was supposed to start as new head coach of the Centro Escolar University Scorpions, after former mentor Derrick Pumaren accepted a job to handle the Green Archers.
There are hopes that veteran point Terrence Fortea will stay on after helping the Nazareth School-NU Bullpups to two junior titles.
The 19-year-old Fortea finished Season 82 of the junior season with averages of 15.4 points, 2.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
These were Fortea’s final figures after the Bullpups won their second straight crown over the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws.