MANILA, Philippines - The National University Bulldogs aggressive basketball program drew a big boost as the Bulldogs ran away with the title in the Fr. Martin Division II Cup by turning back De La Salle, 71-59, Sunday at the San Beda gym in Mendiola.
While the meet features only the second teams of the 19 schools that saw action in the seniors division of the meet, the triumph augured well for NU’s drive for sporting excellence.
Jeff Napa, a member of the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, said the crown is the first step in the school’s effort to shed its losing image and make its sports program, initiated by athletic director Junel Baculi, one of the best in the country today.
“We’re taking it step by step in our bid to reach the ultimate goal, which is to win the UAAP championship,” said Napa, a member of the only NU squad ever to reach the UAAP Final Four in 2001.
Mon Jose, mentor of the RP 3-on-3 basketball team that saw action in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore last August, called the shots for the Bulldogs during the title game against the Green Archers as the rest of the NU coaching staff led by Joey Guanio was with the varsity team in Dumaguete City for the 15th UniGames at Silliman U.
NU chairman Hans Sy, who watched the games in the Father Martin Cup, lauded the Bulldogs feat. “I am definitely very pleased. I believe NU has the potential both in academics and sports. All it takes to tap these are discipline and will to achieve the goals we’ve set. The Father Martin title marks the beginning of NU’s quest for excellence,” he said.
The championship enhanced the image of the Bulldogs as a contender in next year’s UAAP campaign, especially in the light of their near Final Four stint this season.
The school is set to acquire additional reinforcement out of the same second unit that trounced De La Salle – Bobby Parks Jr., son of the legendary PBA import, and former University of Santo Tomas junior standouts Cedric Labing-isa and Kyle Neypes.
“Definitely, this championship in the Fr. Martin’s Cup gives the Bulldogs a big morale boost,” Napa added.