BY MILES ARCENAL
AFTER a quiet showing in National University’s opener against University of the East, senior forward Jolo Manansala wasted no time making up for it in their second game of the season. This time, it was his turn to take over.
In NU’s first outing, it was their main man Jake Figueroa who picked up the slack when Manansala couldn’t find his footing, scoring only three points.
But against Far Eastern University, the roles were reversed. On a night when nothing seemed to fall for Figueroa, Manansala rose to the challenge and stuffed the stat sheet with 13 markers, nine boards, two assists, a steal, and a block.
READ: Balanced National U mauls FEU to move to share of first
“Ready ako anytime pag tinawag ni coach, especially kapalitan ko si Jake,” Manansala said.
“Mindset ko lang kailangan kong mag-step up, ‘wag ko i-pressure yung sarili ko kasi kusa naman akong makakapag-contribute kapag ginawa ko yung role ko.”
The 6-foot-4 Kapampangan showed exactly that, bouncing back by doing the usual small things that sparked big results - crashing the boards, running the floor, and providing energy on both ends.
“Parang nabubuhay ako kapag ginagawa ko yung maliit na bagay sa court. Kahit papaano nakapag bounce back ako against UE. More on effort eh kasi mas gusto kong makapag-contribute ngayon without pressuring myself,” he stressed.
It was a total contrast to his first game, where he shared battling first-game jitters.
“Aminado ako, sobrang gigil ako kasi sobrang excited ako na UAAP na uli. Tuwing hawak ko yung bola, napapasama na yung ginagawa ko,” he admitted.
Against the Tamaraws, though, Manansala turned that eagerness into composure, showing growth in just his second game.
For the Bulldogs, the shift underscored their depth and their 16-man strong mentality.
“Minsan may araw na masama, pero alam ko sa sarili ko na may sasalo sayo. Gaya ngayon, medyo off si Jake, so kahit papaano natulungan namin siya,” Manansala shared.
From Figueroa stepping up when Manansala was off, to Manansala returning the favor when Figueroa struggled, it shows that this Kapampangan duo has each other’s back especially when the Bulldogs need a main man.
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