After playing his final game for National University in the UAAP, Jake Figueroa has a lot to think about with regard to his basketball career.
If Figueroa has his way, he wants to take his act overseas.
‘Of course, it’s a different feeling to play internationally. Every athlete now probably has that dream and I also have that dream,’ said Figueroa after NU’s heartbreaking 78-73 loss to La Salle on Saturday.
That route, however, will have to wait.
The do-it-all forward said he has yet to get an offer from any club overseas, specifically, the B.League in Japan and the Korean Basketball League (KBL), where a slew of Filipino players are parading their wares.
Good thing for Figueroa, he also wants to rest after a tough final chapter in his collegiate career.
‘Nothing yet. I also have nothing lined up. I just want to relax for now because this loss hurts. There are no offers yet,’ said the 6-foot-3 Figueroa.
Figueroa did everything he could in his last game as a Bulldog, collecting 21 points, six rebounds and five assists but his performance wasn’t enough to prevent a Finals trilogy between defending champion UP and La Salle.
The 23-year-old Figueroa, who led the Bulldogs to the top seed, can also opt to play in the PBA.
‘Still two years before the PBA Draft so I have to focus on improving myself. Whether I play international or be PBA-ready like everyone says, I know I still have a lot of things to improve on as a player.’