NATIONAL University held a players-only meeting right after losing its second straight game in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Saturday against Adamson.
The Bulldogs left their dugout at the Mall of Asia Arena at around 9 p.m., more than two hours after they dropped a disappointing 66-68 loss to the Falcons.
The NU coaching staff led by Eric Altamirano had already left for nearly an hour after the game but the players chose to stay.
But there was no indication of disappointment among the players when they emerged from the dugout as everybody wore a smile on their faces.
NU star Bobby Ray Parks said the meeting was an opportunity to iron things out following the team’s second straight loss.
“It was a good conversation to really work on personal stuff,” Parks said. “More than anything, it’s about wanting the game more. It was a great talk.”
Parks said the coaches didn’t know about the meeting, which was a welcome development as the Bulldogs fell to an even 3-3 win-loss record.
“It was about knowing our roles better and really have to play together for the most part,” Parks added.
NU lost the game after being limited to only one field goal in the last five minutes of a game it still led at that juncture, 63-60.
“It is still early in the season but I still believe in this team,” said Parks.
The reigning two-time MVP finished the game with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists but still thinks it was a disappointing outing for him.
“I was a letdown in the game. It was a big game… That conversation between the team without the coaches really helped out and just clear anything out,” Parks said.
The NU star sees a big role for himself in playing as a team.
“I see a big part in me on that. I’m getting triple team out there and I really have to show more on trying to create more for the team and play one another, not just me but the whole team,” Parks said.
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