UAAP: Napa fully embracing underdog tag for NU — ‘Kumbaga, nanliligaw kami’

National University head coach Jeff Napa against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — With UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball entering its crucial stretch, National University remains firmly in the hunt not only for a Final Four berth but also for a second straight twice-to-beat advantage.

The Bulldogs strengthened their hold on second place on Sunday after defeating defending champion De La Salle University, 84-80, at the Araneta Coliseum.

For head coach Jeff Napa, NU’s rise has been a testament to a squad that continues to exceed expectations despite entering the season without much fanfare.

“I’m happy na pino-prove ng players namin yung capabilities nila to compete at the highest level,” said Napa after the Bulldogs secured their eighth win in 11 outings.

Veterans Reinhard Jumamoy, PJ Palacielo, Mo Diassana, and Paul Francisco have spearheaded NU’s campaign, helping fill the void left by key departures such as Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala.

Napa believes that the departure of several core players to the professional ranks led many to overlook NU compared to its Season 87 team that finished atop the standings with an 11-3 record.

“Alam naming hindi kayo pabor sa amin,” Napa said, referring to preseason predictions that left the Bulldogs out of the contender conversation. “Wala nga kami sa radar niyo. Aminin niyo man o hindi, hindi niyo na-predict na ganito kami magpe-perform.”

But rather than dwelling on the lack of expectations, Napa said he has embraced the Bulldogs’ underdog label and used it as motivation for the team.

“Hindi kami overhyped tulad ng ibang teams,” he said. “Pero doon ko napapatunayan kung gaano kagaling yung players ko, at doon ako napapaisip kung paano ko pa sila matutulungan na mag-improve.”

As the season progresses, Napa has been encouraged by the way his players have responded, though he hopes they can continue turning skeptics into believers.

“Kumbaga, nanliligaw kami sa inyo. Ayaw niyo kaming pansinin eh, so itong mga ‘to, magpapansin muna kami para kahit papaano, ma-in love kayo sa amin,” he quipped.

NU controls its own fate in its pursuit of a Final Four berth and a coveted twice-to-beat incentive.

The Bulldogs will close out the elimination round against University of the East, Far Eastern University, and University of the Philippines, with Napa hoping his players can sustain the resilience that has carried them this far.

Doing so, he said, would not only secure a postseason advantage but also help them avoid a repeat of last year’s heartbreak, when they squandered a twice-to-beat edge against eventual champion La Salle in the Final Four.

“Yung last year na line-up namin, masakit yung nangyari sa amin sa twice-to-beat na ‘yun. Kumbaga, para kaming binasted eh,” Napa said. “It’s now just up to us kung anong gagawin naming preparation sa kung ano mang blessing na ibibigay sa amin ni Lord para, at least, mapaghandaan namin.”