NATIONAL University has pulled off some convincing wins in the preseason but coach Eric Altamirano believes a lot of work is to be done before the new UAAP season, with none among the Bulldogs yet to step up and take the role of leader and the whole pack still finding their way in the system.
The Bulldogs have managed to come up with a 4-1 win loss record and sit in second place in their group in the preseason tournament in their first season without two-time MVP Bobby Ray Parks and several other top dogs from last season.
But as far as their coach is concerned, the Bulldogs still need to forge a new identity as they begin life without the versatile Parks.
“We are still learning,” Altamirano said. “We are still finding our way and our identity without Bobby Ray. It’s going to take some time. It’s really a process.”
That could take some time as Parks, NU’s No. 1 option on offense, isn’t the only one the Bulldogs will be missing this coming UAAP. Also gone are center Emmanuel Mbe, shooter Denice Villamor, and point guard Robin Rono.
None among the holdovers have taken up the role of pack leader, and Altamirano is still waiting to see who will be worthy of the NU rotation for the coming UAAP season.
Troy Rosario, Joshua Alolino, Glenn Khobuntin, and Cameroonian center Alfred Aroga are getting the bulk of the playing time for the Bulldogs but Altamirano has also given some minutes to Reden Celda, JJ Alejandro, and rookie Rev Diputado.
“Right now, if you could see us play in the preseason, I’m trying to give everybody a chance to see who will fit in our rotation. It’s still a process for us. Wala pa kaming identity for now,” said Altamirano.
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