NU Coach Jeff Napa proud of strong finish, hopes for FSA reserve

Photo source: UAAP Media Photos

The NU Bulldogs finished their UAAP Season 87 run with a 5-9 standing. Among their wins were victories over the two top teams, the DLSU Green Archers and UP Fighting Maroons. 

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The Jeff Napa-led team struggled in the first round of eliminations due to the unexpected injury of their FSA, Mo Diassana. Coach Napa acknowledged the challenges they faced throughout the season because of this significant loss.

“Dito sa UAAP, it’s hard to compete kapag medyo kulang-kulang. ‘Yung in-expect namin na performance, medyo nag-iba dahil doon sa nawala naming big man,” he said.

He also shared that having a reserve or extra FSA could have changed the season’s outcome if it had been allowed.

“Definitely, it will favor us. Malaking bagay ‘yon talaga na may extra kang [FSA], gano’n. Pero it’s up to the board pa rin ‘yan, it’s up to the UAAP kung i-aallow nila,” said Coach Jeff Napa.

He added, “I’m still hoping for the best and looking forward to next year. Ipapakita namin kung ano ‘yung NU talaga.”

In their win against the Fighting Maroons, Coach Napa said they were focused on finishing the season strong rather than hoping for a Final Four spot.

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The Bulldogs fulfilled this goal by successfully making adjustments, but it was still bittersweet to end their Season 87 journey early. Head coach Jeff Napa expressed pride in how the team fought in their remaining games.

“Syempre, very proud sa mga players ko talaga. Binigay nila ‘yung best nila despite of this [challenge]. Still, natapos namin nang maganda ‘yung season talaga,” he said.

Veteran NU Bulldogs players Patrick Yu and Donn Lim are now set to pursue new career paths, with their win against the top-seed Green Archers marking their last game in the blue and gold uniform.