FOR someone who’s lived and breathed basketball all his life, Jake Figueroa's purpose for being through highs and heartbreaks revolve around one person.
The face of the Bulldogs’ UAAP Season 88 campaign had sticks and stones thrown at him over the course of his college career for failing to get National U over the hump after showing glimpses of promise only to fall short in the end.
But with his lolo Monico almost always there to watch him do what he does best, sky’s the limit each time Figueroa steps on the court.
The National U senior fired a clutch trey to cap his 22-piece over University of Santo Tomas and keep the Bulldogs untamed.
READ: NU silences noisemakers Akowe, UST to improve to 3-0
Anything and everything Figueroa puts out on the court will always have imprints of his beloved grandfather on it.
“Para sa’kin, meron talaga akong inspirasyon na bumubuo talaga ng confidence ko which is ‘yung lolo ko. Every game talaga, iba ‘yung dala niya sa’king kumpyansa,” Figueroa shared with SPIN.ph.
“Every game, nandyan siya. Mula pa nu’ng bata ako, talagang siya ‘yung nagpu-push sa’kin na maglaro. Hanggang ngayon, kung magkakasakit lang siya, du’n lang siya nag-aabsent.
“Pero kapag okay siya, every game talaga, kahit tuneup, nandyan siya.”
Figueroa’s other father figure
Once within the confines of Jhocson, it’s Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa whom he calls as a father.
From unearthing his talent at a hardcourt somewhere in Pampanga to becoming National U’s newest prized star, Figueroa considers himself blessed to have two father figures forge his growth to heights he would’ve never even thought possible.
“Biglaan din [‘yung pagkuha nila sa’kin sa NU]. May mga skills lang din siguro silang nakita sa’kin. Hindi ko talaga expected na magiging ganito ako sa NU. Kahit papano, thankful talaga ako sa NU,” Figueroa said.
“Si Coach Jeff, father figure talaga ‘yan eh. Hindi ka lang niya sasabihan sa loob ng court, pati sa labas. Ang dami na niyang naambag sa’kin eh, sa character ko, at nade-develop ko pa ngayon nang maayos.”
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