NATIONAL U captain Steve Nash Enriquez was adamant that he and his team are paying no mind to shock exits left and right the Bulldogs have been experiencing.
“Gusto nilang lumabas sa comfort zone nila, desisyon na nila ‘yun,” he expressed after their 69-64 loss to La Salle in the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup last Wednesday.
Two weeks ago, 6-foot-7 big Migs Palanca decommitted from the Bulldogs and decided to play for UAAP defending champion University of the Philippines.
READ: UP just filled its big void with this 6-7 youngster. Find out who
Then earlier this week, UAAP Season 86 boys MVP and Season 87 Best Foreign Student-Athlete Collins Akowe formally announced his move to University of Santo Tomas.
READ: UST secures commitment of UAAP Juniors MVP Collins Akowe
The sudden departures also include former NU-Nazareth School talents RJ Colonia and Gab Nepacena who have joined the rebuild over at San Sebastian.
Next maNUp
Nonetheless, for Enriquez, the blue-and-gold is choosing to focus on those who remain loud and proud in wearing those same colors.
“Knowing coach Jeff [Napa], sa mantra niya na next man up, kung sino yung matitira, ayun lang. Kaya kung sino ‘yung matitira, doon lang kami maglalaro,” he said.
Of course, it also didn't hurt that Enriquez and Jake Figueroa proved their leadership when they called for a team meeting in the heat of the moment.
According to sources, the two strongly stated their belief that NU is well on its way back to contention, and that everybody needs to do their part. That meant that all in that team meeting should prove to themselves and their teammates that they were a Bulldog through and through.
That was key in ensuring that NBTC All-Star Mac Alfanta was staying put in Jhocson for good, joining Bullpup teammates Jedric Solomon and Jid Locsin.
READ: Versatile guard Mac Alfanta stays loyal as NU deals with defections
These youngsters are looking to be a shot in the arm to veterans such as Enriquez, Figueroa, Jolo Manansala, and Reinhard Jumamoy.
“Alam namin ‘yung goal namin, so patuloy lang kami,” Enriquez, the 22-year-old Cebuano, added.
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