The National University Bulldogs, under coach Jeff Napa, have made it to the Final Four in the last two seasons of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
After falling short and missing a shot at the finals on both occasions, the Bulldogs will go for another opportunity to reach the finals in Season 87.
The Bulldogs will seek to remain in contention with two good players from high school, Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes joining them.
Garcia and Reyes have committed to suit up for the Bulldogs after leading the Adamson Baby Falcons to their first secondary level title in the junior division since 1993.
Three players, Kean Baclaan, Michael Malonzo and John Galinato, left the roster following the entry of Garcia and Reyes, after the Bulldogs finished Season 86 with a 10-4 record and a third seeding in the Final Four.
Baclaan has been replaced by Garcia, who is expected to get help from veterans Steve Nash Enriquez and Reinhard Jumamoy.
While with the Junior Falcons, Garcia averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals, while Reyes had 12.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
Garcia will bring in leadership on the floor, everytime his senior teammates Enriquez and Jumamoy are rested during the game.
The NU Bulldogs will meet the defending champion La Salle Green Archers in their opening game at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The next time that they’re on the floor next Saturday, the Bulldogs face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at 4:30 p.m.
