Despite falling short in the past two UAAP seasons, the NU Bulldogs are determined to turn their title contender status into a reality in Season 87, with recruits Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes.
For the past two UAAP seasons, the National University has been tagged as a title contender.
However, the Bulldogs failed to meet those expectations twice after falling quickly in the Final Four.
But could Season 87 finally be the year where NU turns those high expectations into reality?
Head coach: Jeff Napa
Key Additions: Tebol Garcia, Vince Reyes
Key losses: Kean Baclaan, Michael Malonzo, John Galinato
Season 86 record: 10-4 (3rd)
The Bulldogs will take a big hit with the departure of star guard Kean Baclaan.
Lucky for them, the Jeff Napa-led squad has other prominent guards waiting in line, which include Steve Nash Enriquez, Reinhard Jumamoy, and its top recruit, Tebol Garcia.
Garcia and his high school teammate Vince Reyes committed to the Jhocson-based squad after leading the Adamson Baby Falcons to its first high school title since 1993.
In their final year in the juniors’ division, Garcia averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals, while Reyes added 12.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
“Sobrang saya namin dahil hanggang ngayon magkasama pa rin kam [sa NU],” Reyes told One Sports.
“Siguro mas lalo pang titibay 'yung pagsasama namin, 'yung mga natutunan namin, mas lalo pang dadami at sobrang hindi namin masabi kung gaano 'yung nafe-feel namin na magkasama pa rin hanggang ngayon dahil hindi namn in-expect 'to,” he added.
[ALSO READ: NBTC: Adamson star Tebol Garcia remains upbeat even after loss to Fil-Am Nation in Division 1 Finals]
Known for their leadership, Garcia expects to do the same in college now with the gritty Bulldogs, hoping to replicate their success in high school.
“Ang madadala namin dito sa NU at ngayong college na kami ay 'yung pagiging competitive namin sa laro, and 'yung fighting spirit na ayaw namin basta basta matalo, and 'yung winning attitude namin. Dahil coming from juniors na parang... nasa top kami nung high school kami eh sa [Season 86 High School] elimination, na-sweep namin 'yung first round,” said Garcia.
“Then 'yung pagiging leader ko lang and leadership din naming dalawa bilang seniors kami nung [high school days] namin, and ngayong rookies kami, dadalhin lang namin 'yun dito sa NU,” he continued.
Though the Bulldogs will face a tough climb, Garcia, already speaking like a true veteran, knows it will be a step-by-step process to the top.
"Hindi magiging madali. Kailangan namin paghirapan, pagsumikapan 'yung lahat,” said Garcia.
“Hindi namin kailangan madaliin 'yung proseso. Susunod lang kami sa sistema [ni coach Jeff] and quality minutes. Kailangan lang namin makatulong sa team para manalo and makarating sa Finals,” he added.
NU has been a stepping stone for championship teams, but this time around, they look to finish on top of the UAAP mountain.