EVEN minus 'OGs' Jake Figueroa, Jolo Manansala, and Steve Nash Enriquez, National U has kept itself in the thick of things in UAAP Season 89.
Maximizing its size advantage powered by PJ Palacielo, Kenshin Padrones, and Mo Diassana, the Bulldogs are 3-2 in what is shaping up to be yet another ultracompetitive tournament.
But there's a long ways to go in the season, so there's a first and foremost reminder head coach Jeff Napa keeps harping.
"Sinabi ni coach Jeff sa amin na ibalik kung sino kami: yung grit and grind na laro namin," lead guard Reinhard Jumamoy shared withSPIN.ph.
Since Napa took the reins following the pandemic, the blue-and-gold's signature has been a dogged style of play at both ends - anchored on defense, for the most part, allowing them to dictate the pace and set the terms of engagement.
Good thing that more help has come this year in the form of a key contributor from NU's most recent champion team.
READ: This champion Bulldog giving NU backcourt more bite. Find out who
Less than a decade ago, Pao Javelona was the ultimate backup guard for the then-Eric Altamirano-coached Bulldogs.
After having jousting with starting guard Gelo Alolino, opposing teams then had to deal with the 6-foot literal bulldog on defense, who hounded and suppressed even the likes of Kiefer Ravena.
More Pao Javelonas for NU
Now, Javelona is passing on his widsom to the likes of Jumamoy, Paul Francisco, Mac Alfanta, and Tebol Garcia.
“Yung bread and butter talaga namin is yung depensa talaga eh, and si coach Pao, malaking tulong sa amin,” Jumamoy said.
“As a guard, tinutulungan niya ako paano basahin yung laro, paano laruin yung laro. Malaking factor siya kasi as a veteran, naga-guide niya kami nang tama.”
While Napa's Bulldogs have been primarily known for their bigs and wings, their backcourt ain't too shabby, either.
Even more so now that Javelona has just given Jumamoy and Co. more bite at the point of attack.
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