NU’s Jake Figueroa moves on from UAAP, targets pro career in Korea

For Jake Figueroa, the Final Four loss wasn’t the end of something — it was the beginning of what he hopes will be his next leap.

Figueroa, long regarded as NU’s most dependable two-way presence, walked out of the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday with no regrets and no lingering frustration about missing the MVP race or falling short of another deep postseason run. His mind, instead, was already wandering beyond the UAAP, toward a dream he has quietly carried for years: earning interest — and eventually a roster spot — from a KBL team.

His senior-year production proved he was one of the league’s most complete players: 13.93 points, 7.21 rebounds, 3.93 assists, 2.14 steals, and 1 block per game. In NU’s do-or-die semifinal battle against La Salle, he delivered 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block, emptying the tank as the Bulldogs fought to extend their season.

But even that performance, he insists, was just a step toward something bigger.

“Kahit ano, okay lang naman ako. Iba pa rin yung sa international ka maglaro kasi ‘yon naman lahat siguro yung goal nila, pinapangarap ng mga athlete ngayon,”
Figueroa said.

“Syempre, ako rin, dream ko rin makalaro sa international.”

Before fully turning the page, Figueroa took a moment to look back on a journey that began with him as a skinny yet promising MVP out of Adamson High School. He arrived at NU with expectations, but what he leaves behind is a legacy — of leadership, consistency, and resilience.

#WATCH: After five years with NU, Jake Figueroa is setting his sights on making his international dreams a reality #ReadMore https://t.co/JyHAacWw26

@ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/rq1OJv1j3g

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 6, 2025

Five seasons under coach Jeff Napa shaped him into a player capable of handling roles far beyond scoring and rebounding. The 6-foot-3 forward became the glue of NU’s system, the steady hand in close games, and the voice the younger Bulldogs listened to.

“No regrets naman kasi binigay naman namin 100 percent namin ngayong game.
Sobrang blessed ko rin na nag-NU ako — kumbaga, tinapos ko yung playing years ko sa NU,” he said.

“Yung pagiging leader at yung maturity sa loob ng court — ‘yon naman ang palaging sinasabi sa amin ni coach, na maturity talaga ang importante.”

His final year wasn’t just about individual improvement; it was also about stewardship. Alongside fellow five-year Bulldogs Steve Nash Enriquez and Jolo Manansala, plus veterans Gelo Santiago, Mark Parks, and Munmun Dela Cruz, Figueroa made sure NU’s culture remained intact for the next wave of stars.

And before leaving, he passed on the same reminders that shaped him.

“Every year is a different story. I-cherish nila every year kung may matitira lang silang playing year,” he shared.

He pointed specifically to centers Omar John and PJ Palacielo, as well as Kenshin Padrones and Reinhard Jumamoy, players expected to carry NU’s title hopes in upcoming seasons.

“Sila Kenshin at si Reinhard, kahit na senior na kami, tinutulungan pa rin kami para umangat sa bigger stage. Sobrang thankful din kami na may ganon kaming teammates na hindi ka iiwan.”

For Figueroa, the UAAP chapter has been written — and it’s one he believes prepared him for the pressures of professional basketball.

 The KBL dream is not merely about playing abroad. It’s about testing himself where few Filipino collegiate players have gone and proving that his two-way game can translate beyond university competition.

The Bulldogs may have fallen short of the Finals, but their do-it-all forward walks away with a full heart — and a full future ahead.

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