JAKE Figueroa wouldn’t deny that he was motivated to match up against Kymani Ladi on Saturday when National U fought Ateneo.
But it wasn’t because of the news of the Blue Eagle forward being called up to Gilas Pilipinas, but rather his own desire to show that he has what it takes to play at the same level as the Fil-Am.
READ: Thirdy joined by Ladi, Phillips as latest Gilas additions
“Nasa akin naman yun eh. Gusto kong maglaro today, na gamitin natin yung talent natin sa magandang paraan as a team,” he said. “Conscious ako kasi syempre sobrang haba niya at shooter siya, so na-challenge talaga ako.”
True enough, Figueroa was at his best knocking down 13 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks in the Bulldogs' 71-66 victory to seal the top spot after the first round of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
READ: NU is top dog for Round 1 after OT victory vs Ateneo
That kind of performance only boosts his credentials for the end of season awards, all while bringing the blue-and-gold with him to the top of the totem pole.
Yet Figueroa reiterates that to him, any individual award is just a bonus.
“Naglalaro pa rin kami as a team, sumasandal pa rin kami sa system ni coach Jeff [Napa],” he said.
Figueroa for the flag
And if that also comes with a national team call-up? Well, Figueroa said that he’ll always jump at the chance.
“Simula nung nag-start ako mag-basketball, isa naman talaga yun sa pangarap ko, to represent the country,” he said. “Malaking bagay para sa akin yun at nakakataba sa puso kung makuha, pero ipagdasal na lang natin.”
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