UAAP 82 Preview: Has NU figured out how to win?

MANILA, Philippines – When it comes to stockpiling on young talent, no team seems to do it better than National University. But is talent enough to win it all? No. They need experience, chemistry, and to understand their roles.

The previous problem of this team is all the newcomers were stars on their respective high school teams — guys who had the ball in the crunch. Not many were willing to subvert themselves and be role players. 

Last year, the Bulldogs had some of the best young players in the land such as Dave Ildefonso, John Lloyd Clemente and John Galinato. Now you can add Miguel Oczon to that. Previously, they also had JV Gallego, whose career has sputtered after getting sidelined for a year. So how does that help? They will be playing together for the next four years. It is a good problem to have if you ask me.

Before we tackle that, let’s take a look at the roster changes.

Key losses: Matt Aquino, Rev Diputado, Troy Rike, Dave Wilson Yu

Key additions: Robert Minerva, Miguel Oczon, Daniel Chatman and the returning Chino Mosqueda

I like the addition of Minerva and the return of Mosqueda. For one, they came up from NU’s high school program. Second, they are examples of players who are willing to play roles. Mosqueda has to think of the team first before taking the shot, and he can be a calming figure on that team. Minerva does not need a play called for him and is willing to crash the boards and get his points from there. He’s their second chance points maker and extra possessions man. Minerva’s addition and the presence of the now confident Jonas Tibayan will help Issa Gaye in the slot.

Speaking of helping out Gaye, Larry Mangayao is another of those who will fill those roles. 

If Gaye can stay on the floor and help score, rebound, and protect that rim, NU has a good chance of winning. I’ve seen them get manhandled by teams who exploit Gaye’s absence on the floor. 

There is no question this team can score and that they can play defense. It is all about chemistry and understanding one’s role in the team.

Was last year and this pre-season enough to get their act together? You can point to that win in the 34th Kadayawan Sports Festival over La Salle as a sign. It is good for them as it bolsters their confidence ahead of the UAAP opening.

Dave Ildefonso will still be that designated scorer. And now that he has grown about two inches taller — making him as tall as his dad, Danny — he will be even more difficult to stop.

There will still be growth pains this season. In fact, even at the end of UAAP Season 81, I figured it would take them by Season 83 to put it all together.  Now management isn’t going to wait. I still think they should be patient because when the players from the juniors squad move up, they will have the makings of a title team. 

Right now, they will challenge for a Final Four slot. Anything less than that will be a disappointment for them.