With Aris Dimaunahan and Camille Clarin gone, defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs are counting on Cielo Pagdulagan to shoulder a larger role in UAAP Season 88—and she’s ready for the challenge.
The NU Lady Bulldogs are entering uncharted territory heading into Season 88.
For the first time in years, they will defend their UAAP women’s basketball crown without longtime coach Aris Dimaunahan and star guard Camille Clarin—two pillars of their dynasty run.
But for last season’s breakout star Cielo Pagdulagan, the changes only bring new responsibility.
The reigning Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP knows she can no longer simply be the spark. This time, she must lead.
“Hindi na rin ako rookie so para sa’kin, kailangan ko silang i-lead. Ngayon mas naging mature lang ako. Maraming nawala sa’min, kaya kailangan ko pa mag step-up,” Pagdulagan said on One Sports' Starting Line Up.
That maturity will be tested under new head coach DA Olan, who inherits a program that has captured eight of the last nine championships. Olan admitted he feels the weight of expectations but insists the job is bigger than himself.
[ALSO READ: Aris Dimaunahan dedicates NU's UAAP Season 87 title to two daughters, late firstborn son]
“I always tell myself this is not about me being a new coach, but rather about us preparing for the upcoming UAAP season,” Olan said.
He added: “What gives me confidence is this great group of girls, knowing their capabilities sa game.”
Among those players, Aloha Betanio stands out as a voice for unity. With Clarin gone, she sees a tighter-knit Lady Bulldogs squad that thrives on togetherness.
“Kahit nawalan kami ng leader [in CC], gusto namin as a team na gawin ‘yung trabaho namin sa loob ng court. Nakikita ko sa team ngayon na mas together kami at mas alam namin ‘yung role namin,” Betanio said.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Camille Clarin underscores NU’s struggles after losing eight-peat bid—‘Nobody knows’]
With two weeks left before Season 88 tips off, Olan and his wards expect things will only get harder from this point forward.
“It’s not going to be easy [to defend the title], but it’s probably the biggest challenge for us this season.”