Statement games are often reserved for the latter portions of seasons. Teams are peaking at the right time, while players have found a sense of comfort that slows the game down for them. But when a statement game comes early in the season, it often teeters between a tone setter or a one-hit wonder. Jake Figueroa’s statement game is pretty much the former. 

The NU Bulldogs’ team captain had a quiet first quarter, but that didn’t deter him. Figueroa was unafraid to attack the heart of the UST Growling Tigers’ defense, contributing to the Growling Tigers’ first loss in UAAP Season 88 and MVP Best Foreign Student-Athlete Award frontrunner Collins Akowe’s worst game thus far. 

Not only is Figueroa the fifth-leading scorer in UAAP Season 88 through three games, but he has yet to miss any of his 16 free throw attempts, which are the second-highest in the league after Akowe. Years of work in the gym have helped the UAAP Season 82 Juniors MVP grow into a mature player and each passing year saw him add more elements to his game, completing his transition from a power game into one with finesse. 

Moreover, the experience has helped him become not just a more complete player, but one that also shines in the most crucial moments. That has allowed the Bulldogs to be competitive in his five seasons, but there were moments when Figueroa’s exploits led to huge wins such as that against then-undefeated UST. 

Figueroa’s efforts even prior to Season 88 have not gone unnoticed as there were reports that some teams in the Korean Basketball League were interested in recruiting the 23-year old. The basketball opportunities and the financial considerations were surely tempting, but an opportunity to give back to the NU program that helped him become the player that he is today was too good to pass up. 

The Bulldogs have often taken care of their players and this was something Figueroa did not take for granted. His teammates came and went due to graduation and greener pastures, but through the ups and downs, the Pampanga native stayed. Two Final Four appearances is not enough for him, so a third one and perhaps even a championship run, is worth chasing. 

A spot on the UAAP Season 88 Mythical Five is there for the taking and Jake Figueroa has put himself in the conversation of that esteemed group and then some. The individual accolades and the potential professional prospects are intriguing, but those can wait as it’s clear that Figueroa is chasing something bigger than himself.