UAAP: Steve Nash Enriquez plays crucial role for NU despite injury

NU guard Steve Nash Enriquez takes a jumper during a game against UP in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Steve Nash Enriquez returned to action and made an immediate impact for National University, giving the Bulldogs a big boost to take down defending champion University of the Philippines on Wednesday.

Enriquez played through an injured hamstring to help NU gain a share of the early lead in the standings at 3-1.

The 5-foot-9 point guard, who hurt his hamstring during the preseason, finished with 10 points, including two free throws that sealed the game, two assists and two steals in only 17 minutes of action as NU beat UP for the first time in eight games or since Season 80 five years ago.

“I’m so proud of my team. We worked day in, day out because we want to gain respect from the other teams,” said Enriquez in Filipino after an 80-75 victory over the Fighting Maroons.

NU coach Jeff Napa said Enriquez has yet to reach 100 percent in his recovery, but he was hardly surprised with how his playmaker performed especially against a UP team that was coming into the game with a perfect 3-0 mark.

“This kid is ready to deliver whatever happens. I don’t have to tell him what to do. (His game) is given,” said Napa in Filipino. “But I don’t want to rush his recovery. That’s why he went in and out since he’s still at 70 percent. Hopefully, he will be 100 percent in the coming days. “

Enriquez’s determination, however, just wouldn’t let him miss another opportunity to help his teammates win.

“My coaches keep asking me if I’m okay. Honestly, I can still feel the pain, but I told my doctor, I want to help the team, even if I play in and out of the court,” the Nazareth School standout said. “Even though I’m on the sidelines, I am still guiding them.”

Enriquez was a mere cheerleader and observer on NU’s bench in their first three games, but he stayed patient and kept faith in his teammates.

“I just stay patient. I believe that God has plans for me so I just have to keep faith in my teammates. I know that they can (win even without me), if they lose, they will bounce back and train harder to correct our mistakes,” he said.

It may be a big win for the Bulldogs, but Enriquez stressed they still have a lot of work to do heading into their next game against Adamson on Saturday.

“It’s a good win, but there’s more work ahead for us as individuals and as a team,’’ he said.