Over the past few years, National University has had its chances to make the finals. In those occurrences, however, the Bulldogs failed to get past the Final Four. Steve Nash Enriquez tips his hat to coach Jeff Napa for the foundation they built over the past few seasons. #UAAPSeason88 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/oyaXGuCfnK
– Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) November 2, 2025
After a few heartbreaks, NU guard Steve Nash Enriquez is ready to take the Bulldogs all the way in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
‘[Season] 85 and 86 happened already. We learned. We became veterans so now we always tell ourselves that won’t happen again,’ Enriquez said after their 75-67 win over La Salle at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
‘You can’t be unlucky when you give all your efforts.’
Back in 2022, NU reached the Final Four with a 9-5 record only to fall victim to the University of the Philippines in the semifinals of Season 85. The year after, the Bulldogs faltered in the Final Four anew, this time to eventual champions Green Archers.
In both those years, Enriquez was a vital cog for NU, and for him, the heartbreak days are over. It’s their time now.
‘We’re happy when we win, but we’re not content when we come out of the arena,’ Enriquez said after finishing with 16 points in the win that kept NU at the top with an 8-2 record.
‘I always say, as a leader, I tell them we have more games [or wins] to go before we get our goal. You can’t be content with where you are. We’re always grateful but we’re not content because we want to give our best. We can squeeze more out of each other.’