Named after NBA icon Steve Nash, NU’s Steve Nash Enriquez aims to make a name for himself by focusing on his performance for the Bulldogs in UAAP Season 87.
Carrying the name of one of the best point guards in NBA history could be daunting, but that's not the case for National University’s Steve Nash Enriquez.
Even before he made an impact in the UAAP as an NU Bulldog, Enriquez already had eyes tuned to him just by his name.
The NU point guard was named after the NBA legend because his parents were big fans of Steve Nash during the early to mid-2000s. During that time, Nash won two Most Valuable Player Awards as the conductor behind the high-powered "Seven seconds or less" Phoenix Suns.
His grandfather, Alfredo Enriquez, was also pioneer in the PBA, making his love for the sport all the more natural.
But even as he carries the name of the two-time NBA MVP, Enriquez remains focused on playing the game he loves his own way and letting his skills do the talking.
“Hindi naman ibig sabihin na kapangalan ko eh kalaro ko na, so thankful ako na pangalan ko ito,” Enriquez told One Sports.
“Pag pangalan na ganito siyempre medyo mabilis ka makilala but alam mo yun, no pressure. Laruin ko lang 'yung game ko, kung ano 'yung natutunan ko, kung ano 'yung nasa harap, laruin ko lang,” he added.
Though trying to make a name for himself, Enriquez admitted to developing some specific parts of his game similar to that of Nash’s.
“Siyempre 'yung passing ability [‘yung inaral ko kay Steven Nash]. Gusto ko lang maging happy 'yung teammates ko,” said Enriquez.
But amid his brilliant performances this Season 87 so far, success hasn’t necessarily followed Enriquez and the Bulldogs.
After four games, NU has stumbled to 1-3 record, falling short against Season 86 Finalists La Salle and UP, and just recently also dropping a game to the UST Growling Tigers.
Despite this, Enriquez remains hopeful that the Bulldogs can overcome their early struggles and continue their streak of making it to the Final Four.
“Siguro may sampung laro pa, may second round pa, may three games pa sa first round, so kailangan mag-move on. 'Yung nangyari ngayon, sobrang sakit pero that's God's will,” Enriquez remarked.
Now in his third year in the league, Enriquez is already seen as a veteran for the Jeff Napa-led squad. That’s why he took it upon himself to keep the team motivated despite their early heartbreaking defeats.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila na there's no time para magmukmok kasi ito na eh, hindi namin kailangan ibaon 'yung mga sarili namin kasi nangyari na 'yun eh. So, natalo na kami, kung ibabaon pa namin sarili namin, so paano kami makakatayo?” said Enriquez.
“Hanggang may pag-asa, hanggat buhay kami, hanggat healthy kami, alam namin na kaya namin,” he added.