It's a make-or-break season for National University. Well, at least from the point of view of head coach Jamike Jarin.
That's why the outspoken mentor can't wait for the Bulldogs to plunge into action in the new UAAP season which unfurls on September 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
They may not be among the favorites especially after U.S. NCAA veteran Troy Rike was ruled ineligible barely two weeks before the opening. But with key additions like Shaun Ildefonso now at his disposal, Jarin is confident this young but "very talented and very skillful" NU group can score upsets.
"We're gonna play with a lot of heart and we're gonna give a scare to the entire UAAP season," he said.
Newcomer Ildefonso can't wait to finally don the colors his father, Danny, wore during the PBA legend's college days. But the younger Ildefonso plans to make a name for himself. There's pressure that comes with carrying that surname. But he tries to turn his complete focus on helping the Bulldogs win it all again.
"My ultimate goal right now is to win a championship for NU. That's what really pressures me right now," he said.
Unlike Ildefonso, Jarin is definitely no stranger to pressure. During his time with San Beda in the NCAA, he always carried the pressure to deliver a championship for the proud university but hardly flinched under the weight of expectations.
He may not have the firepower he had at San Beda then, but depth will be the name of the game now for the Bulldogs, according to Jarin.
Dave Yu and Rev Diputado are taking the leadership mantle after the departure of J-Jay Alejandro, Ildefonso is finally suiting up for the team after a two-year wait, while Joshua Sinclair and JV Gallego are making a comeback.
While that does not guarantee NU a Final Four berth this season, it definitely augurs well for the team in the long run.
"It's the depth, the depth of the players, players playing multiple positions like JLC (John Lloyd Clemente), Dave Ildefonso, Josh Sinclair," said the second year NU tactician.
"Those are the guys that you will see in the long run. You will see them four years playing, five years playing together, the public will see them mature, how good they're gonna be in the coming years."