National University Bulldogs. NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.net
The nightmarish end to last season’s run turned out to be the spark that spurred National University’s historic UAAP championship romp this year.
Tipped to go all the way last year, the Bulldogs embarrassingly ended up becoming the first No. 1 seed that failed to reach the title round.
“I saw the hardships of the players, especially last year,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “I felt bad for them, everybody was crying. I can still remember that scene in the dugout. They were dejected. Only two things would have happened—it either makes or breaks the team. Fortunately for us, it made the team tougher. They became hungry.”
Still, no one expected the Bulldogs to reign in men’s basketball following the departure of four of their starters, including two-time MVP Ray Parks.
As fate would have it, NU found itself on the opposite end this time as the No. 4 squad that incredibly booted out No. 1 Ateneo to advance to the Finals.
The brave Bulldogs—led by Gelo Alolino, Troy Rosario, Glenn Khobun-tin and Alfred Aroga—overcame a 0-1 deficit in the best-of-three series to bag the crown over the favored Far Eastern University Tamaraws last Wednesday.
Significantly, NU’s victory snapped the longest title drought of 60 years.
“There were so many adversities we went through that made the team tougher, stronger,” said Altamirano.
The coach, too, had his own personal struggles as he was rumored to be on his way out after last season’s debacle.
“I know there were lots of questions [last year] whether we would replace Eric,” said Hans Sy, whose family bought majority of the shares of NU in 2008 and, surprisingly, became hands-on with the school’s sports program.
“[I told Eric], don’t worry, we’ll continue with you because I believe in your program. I know how you gained the respect of your players.”
“We imposed discipline, this is where I salute coach Eric,” added Sy. “He disciplined the players through respect and trust, not through fear.”