NU Bulldogs’ Jolo Manansala. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—National University will be without one of its main gunners in Season 86 with the departure of John Lloyd Clemente but Jolo Manansala is more than ready to take that role.
After the Bulldogs’ bronze-winning victory over Perpetual Help in the FiIoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Wednesday, 85-77, Manansala brought up Clemente’s exit from the team and said there is a growing need for players like him to step up to the plate.
Clemente forfeited his fifth and final year with the Bulldogs and joined Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) with the Pampanga Lanterns.
“Coach (Jeff Napa) keeps telling us to step up, especially now since we won’t have JLC anymore. Someone should take the position he left behind,” Manansala said at San Juan Arena.
“Our experience here in the preseason is something I’m bringing to the UAAP.”
Manansala finished with 14 points and four rebounds in 27 minutes of play, which is a huge improvement from his usual preseason output.
Napa would normally field Manansala for only 17 minutes in the preseason with averages of 7.6 markers and 4.9 boards per outing.
Napa, however, said he is still far from satisfied with the way Manansala has been playing.
“Actually, I’m not yet satisfied with the way he performs because if I say I am, he might stop,” the coach said. “He promised me that he will work on his game and that’s the good thing about this kid,” he added.