SAFE to say, UAAP Season 87 hasn't turned out the way Pat Yu envisioned his final playing year with National University.
In fact, the Bulldogs have been left shell-shocked for the most part with just three victories in 11 games to date — a far cry from hitting the 10-win mark in their Final Four campaign last year.
READ: UPset alert! Lowly yet hungry NU takes fight out of UP
However, a huge 20-point upset over no less than the University of the Philippines might just be the silver lining they badly needed.
Personally, Yu could've saved himself a whole lot of downs if he only went through the latest career avenue that opened up for him.
Still, he wouldn't have traded all those for this biggest up.
It's Yu and me, and all of the people
Before his penultimate UAAP campaign, Yu followed brother and ex-Bulldog Dave’s trail upon earning his stripes as a civil engineer.
The National U guard was among nearly 6,000 board exam passers in 2023, and yet, opted to finish his collegiate career.
Looking back, best believe Yu has no regrets in making such a huge life decision not only for himself but for the NU community that has always backed him and the Bulldogs.
“Gusto ko lang talaga mag-give back sa NU community, and siyempre yung management namin at ‘yung family ko na rin, sina 'Uncle' Manny Sy and family. Gusto ko lang mag-give back talaga as much as possible,” Yu told SPIN.ph.
Yu and me against the world
From juggling his duties as one of the leaders for National U with his preparations for the board exams, it took blood, sweat, and tears for Yu to realize his dream.
In a matter of weeks, he'll soon break ground on a new career.
And Engr. Yu has these words of wisdom leave to those who seek to walk the way he did.
“Don't be afraid to try. ‘Wag kayong matakot na mag-fail kayo. Lahat naman ng madaanan natin, mahirap. There's nothing easy in life. If madali man lang, lahat gagawin na yan. Tiwala lang sa sarili, tapos sipag lang," he said.
Yu furthered, “‘Yung goal ko talaga is magbigay ng championship. Kung hindi man maabot ‘yun, at least maging motivation sana ako sa mga student-athlete na kaya mong abutin ‘yung mga pangarap mo outside basketball."
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