JAKE Figueroa will miss National University’s opening game in UAAP Season 87, as he continues to heal up from a hand injury.
The do-it-all forward disclosed that he will have the cast on his right hand removed late this month and was advised to take one more week of recovery before jumping right back into action with the Bulldogs.
No official schedule has been released yet, but as per league tradition of matching up teams based on their records from the previous year, third-place National U will be the first team to test defending champion La Salle to start Season 87.
The situation, however, does not deter Figueroa one bit, as he’s more than motivated to push the Jhocson side to the next level.
“Kailangan naming makuha [yung championship], kaya 'di kami magre-relax,” said the Bacolor, Pampanga native.
Under the guidance of coach Jeff Napa, the Bulldogs have been considered a legitimate contender in the past two seasons, where they reached the Final Four only to fall short in the end.
Figueroa acknowledged those shortcomings, and now he’s considered as one of the leaders, has taken it upon himself to embrace the role to change the narrative around the blue and gold.
“Last two seasons namin, doon kami nakukuha sa dulo, na nagre-relax kami. Kaya doon kami nagfo-focus para maka-get over the hump kami,” said the former UAAP Juniors MVP, who averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals last year.
NU breathes fresh air
He’d be the first to admit that a lot has changed, not solely due to the departure of Kean Baclaan, but more so on the team’s collective psychology.
“Iba yung sistema ng team ngayon, Lahat nag-uusap at maraming touches sa bola. Hindi tulad ng last season na nagkakanya-kanya at parang 'di nag-uusap sa court,” he stated.
Now on his fourth year, Figueroa also understands the added pressure on his shoulders to deliver, all the more with growing interest not just from local pro teams, but also internationally.
But like he has done ever since he started playing, Figueroa’s focus is solely on the present.
“Para sa akin kasi, once na nag-step ako sa loob ng court, pinapakita ko lang kung anong kaya ko, kung anong talent ko. Gusto ko lang maglaro para manalo,” he said.
And he only has one promise to the NU faithful: “Aabot tayo sa Finals.”
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