'This is the year we can win it' - Altamirano

National University coach Eric Altamirano thinks the Bulldogs’ time is now.

While most of their rivals have been affected by an exodus of graduating players an a spate of injuries, the Bulldogs are coming back with a virtually intact lineup bannered by reigning two-time league MVP Ray Parks, easily making them the team to beat in the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tournament.

To add to that, versatile Cameroon native Alfred Aroga will finally make his league debut, beefing up an already imposing frontline that includes fellow African import Sean Mbe, a former league Mythical Team member, along with Jeth Troy Rosario and Jeoff Javillonar.

And in the eyes of Altamirano, this is an opportunity that the Bulldogs can’t let slip away.

“We have to take advantage of the opportunity. I think we have a very good chance (to win it all) this year because the field is already evened out. If there’s a year that we can finally seize the crown, I think this is it,” he said.

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Although NU failed in its title-retention bid in the Filoil-Flying V pre-season tournament, Altamirano reiterated that winning the UAAP men’s title remains the team’s ultimate goal.

“Sa preseason tourney, win or lose, preseason pa rin ‘yun. Ang mindset talaga ng mga bata ngayon is to win the UAAP (Season 76 men’s cage) crown,” he stressed, adding: “We learned our lessons well. Iba talaga ‘yung level of competition sa Filoil kumpara sa UAAP. Malayong malayo talaga.”

After returning to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 and finishing a fighting third last season, the Bulldogs look feistier and hungrier this time as they aim to snap a 58-year title drought, with their last men’s crown courtesy of a Narciso Bernardo-led squad coming in 1954.

To realize that lofty goal, the Bulldogs will need to get production former RP Youth standout Jay Alejandro, a 5-foot-9 guard who can provide starter Gelo Alolino the needed help in setting up the tables.

Dennice Villamor, a 6-foot-4 fifth-year wingman, is also tipped to give an added scoring punch from the wings along with Mark de Guzman and former high school star Glenn Khobuntin.

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There’s no denying, however, that the 6-foot-4 Parks will remain the team’s heart and soul.

Altamirano, a former national team mentor, insisted his prized 20-year-old forward now craves for a championship title more than the individual accolade.

“I think his mindset right now is to give NU its first championship after a long while. He’s not after personal glory because he has already proven that. He wants to lead this team, on and off the court,” added the soft-spoken tactician.

Aware that they clearly carry the bull’s eye target on their backs, the Bulldogs honed up Down Under against five semi-professional teams in five consecutive days last month for his charges “to learn how to play with poise and composure (especially in the stretch),” according to Altamirano.

Also a former finals MVP with University of the Philippines, Altamirano tags University of Santo Tomas, last year’s bridesmaid, as a “top favorite since they (the Tigers) are a completely veteran team” then added “Ateneo remains a force (to be reckoned with) because of its winning tradition.”