Bulldogs Aim for a Bite of Final Four

By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - July 2, 2008

National University surprised a lot of observers last season following six elimination triumphs highlighted by a note-worthy upset over fancied Ateneo De Manila University.

This year, the Bulldogs are not expected to bite for a Final Four spot after the departures of Jonathan Fernandez, Joseph Lingao-Lingao and Cyrus Malagueño.

Dabbing more salt to their wounds was a decent preseason run, where they won two of seven matches in the Fil-Oil Flying V Invitational and a failed quarterfinals bid in the Nike Summer League.

Despite the low expectations, head coach Manny Dandan remains hopeful of his team in the coming collegiate wars.

"We just want to be competitive this season," Dandan said. "As for the Final Four, it would really depend on how many wins we could get in the first round, and then we’ll go from there."

Dandan added despite the exodus of his two key players, the team remains intact with former UAAP Mythical Five member Edwin Asoro slated to be at the forefront of their attack.

Last year, Asoro averaged 13.1 points and 10.9 rebounds.

Apart from Asoro, Jonathan Jahnke and Dave Catamora also serve as the squad’s starting players after stellar showings in the summer leagues.

Former San Sebastian Stag Raymund Aguilar fills in the shoes vacated by Lingao-Lingao as the promising center expects to rely on his mid-range shooting and a solid defense in the paint.

Rookie Mark Joseph Berry and possibly, former juniors standout Kevin Batac are also set to spell the difference for the persistent squad.

The addition of Berry will give the Bulldogs depth in the forward position while Batac will be considered as a project before Jahnke’s departure.

"It’s going to be a different team, more on running game and penetration," he said. "Last year, we focused more on big man and outside shooting."

NU makes its season debut against University of the Philippines on July 6 at the Araneta Coliseum.