Perhaps no other UAAP basketball program has come to be equated with futility like National University. The last time they won a UAAP championship the Philippines was still an international basketball superpower, and there was no PBA yet. The last quarter century has not been kind to them to say the least. The last time they enjoyed any kind of success two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso was still a gangling college kid who had no game beyond the dunk.

Things however have changed. NU is now under the auspices of the SM Group, the country’s leading retail and mall developer under taipan Henry Sy, a self-made multi-billionaire whose incredible success and rise to the top has inspired millions. With the infusion of new funding and an enthusiasm that borders on the obsessive, the Bulldogs are hoping to be taken more seriously in UAAP Season 73. True enough they have made several moves in the offseason that paints a whole new picture of the erstwhile favorite whipping boy of the UAAP.

There is a nearly all-new coaching staff for these Bulldogs, with the young Eric Gonzalez taking over from long-time head coach Manfred Dandan. Gonzalez is a known protégé of RP Youth Team head coach Eric Altamirano, and his new system for NU is very reminiscent of Altamirano’s system with the Youth Team. Some reports have it that Gonzalez allegedly might just be warming the seat so to speak for Altamirano, as the latter is still deep into his commitments with the Youth Team.

NU has also brought in a lot of talent who could help immediately. Most notable of these is Emmanuel Mbe, a 6-foot-7 forward-center who had a heck of a basketball odyssey since coming to the Philippines out of Africa a couple of years ago. He has made stops at Santo Tomas, Emilio Aguinaldo, STI and St Benilde, before finally settling down with NU. He brings an athletic, tall and long presence to the NU frontline. He will be joined by another tall and athletic African, 6-foot-5 forward John Nlepe-Nlepe. These two might not be instant superstars but certainly represent an upgrade over the last couple of years at the 4 and 5 spots.

As for the local crew, several veterans are returning for NU, led by 5-foot-9 guard Joseph “Kokoy” Hermosisima, a gunner to the core who has also improved his handles and his passing. Joining Hermosisima in the backcourt is 5-foot-8 pointguard Joseph Terso, himself a former RP Youth player. Terso needs to make better decisions with the ball in the perimeter-passing attack of Gonzalez. 5-foot-10 guard Ajeet Singh also returns, with an improved pull-up shot to complement his excellent driving game. Up front 6-foot-5 center Jewel Ponferada will join the two Africans in a tall and multi-skilled frontline. 6-foot-2 swingman Mervin Baloran has also expanded his game and should be the natural leader for the team on the floor. Newcomers include a pair of hotshot high school stars from the NCAA: 6-foot-3 swingman Joseph Eriobu can do a lot of things at a high level and was a former RP Youth player under Altamirano. 6-foot-3 forward Glen Khobuntin needs some time to get used to the size and strength of the UAAP but could become a good college player down the stretch.

The Bull Pups and the Lady Bulldogs however might take a little longer to build up.