NATIONAL University’s Jordan Bartlett came up with a fine performance in his second game in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament, and coach Jamike Jarin is confident the Fil-American guard can become a more consistent contributor for the Bulldogs.
The 20-year old Fil-American helped run the NU offense and scored 11 in a searing rally that put the Bulldogs ahead 80-69 over La Salle.
Bartlett wound up with 23 points on 9 of 13 shooting with four rebounds and four assists but the Bulldogs were outdueled by the Archers.
“I just wanted to push the ball and I know what they were trying to do, that it could be beat with early passes and just passing the ball back,” Bartlett said.
“I knew if I attacked early, that would open things up for our offense,” he added.
Bartlett is embracing the pressure of playing on the stage and being a vital part of one of the youngest squads in the league.
“It’s very loud. Good thing the drums we were able to get used to it in the Filoil league. But the atmosphere is amazing. I love the ambience and the surroundings here. It’s amazing,” Bartlett continued.
“They really make it feel it’s a big stage and I can feel it when I’m on the floor.”
Jarin beamed with excitement particularly when talking about how Bartlett stood his ground against an experienced La Salle squad.
“What you saw in Jordan was his up and down game. He’s just gonna get better. We’re all excited for him of course. We got a lot of good guards also. He just stood out today,” said Jarin.
“I hope he continues. Like what I always say, a little success is very dangerous. Sometimes your kids, you get some limelight for playing well … bottomline is you get better everyday and make your teammates better. That’s the thing you need”.
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