I still remember the first time I stumbled upon that "4 Pics 1 Word" puzzle featuring a soccer player - four images showing different angles of an athlete in motion, all pointing toward a four-letter answer. My mind immediately went through the obvious candidates: "ball," "kick," "goal," "play." But the real answer, "team," struck me as profoundly fitting because it captures something essential about sports that we often overlook. This simple word game got me thinking about how certain teams become greater than the sum of their parts, and that reminded me of what's happening right now in Philippine college basketball with that remarkable group from NU-Nazareth School.
When I look at players like Monteverde, Abadiano, Alarcon, Felicilda, Fortea, Torres, and Carl Tamayo, I see something special that doesn't come around often. These seven athletes have been through the trenches together since their junior days, developing a chemistry that you simply can't manufacture overnight. They didn't just play for the same school; they built something lasting. I've followed college basketball for over a decade now, and what strikes me about this particular group is how they've maintained their cohesion through different levels of competition. That transition from juniors to seniors division often breaks up talented squads, but these guys stuck together, and that decision has paid dividends for the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Their dominance in the juniors division wasn't accidental - I watched several of their games back in 2018 and 2019, and what stood out was their almost telepathic understanding of each other's movements. Monteverde would make a pass to where Tamayo was going to be, not where he currently stood. Abadiano and Alarcon developed defensive rotations that seemed to anticipate each opponent's moves. This kind of synergy typically takes years to develop, and they've had exactly that - nearly five seasons together if you count their time in both divisions. The statistics back this up too - in their final juniors season, they posted an impressive 14-2 record, with Tamayo averaging 16.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while Monteverde dished out approximately 7.2 assists.
What fascinates me personally about this group is how they've adapted their games to complement each other. I've always believed that the best teams aren't necessarily collections of the most talented individuals, but rather groups where players understand their roles perfectly. Felicilda could have been a volume scorer on another team, but he embraced being a defensive specialist. Fortea developed into more of a spot-up shooter to create space for Tamayo's post game. These adjustments might seem small, but they're what separate good teams from great ones. I've seen too many talented squads fail because players weren't willing to make these sacrifices.
As we approach UAAP Season 88, there's a bittersweet feeling knowing this will mark the end of their long partnership. They've been together through what I estimate to be around 120 official games across different competitions, developing what coaches call "shared memory" - those countless practice sessions, film reviews, and crunch-time experiences that create unspoken understanding between teammates. This final season represents both an ending and a culmination. The pressure will be immense, but if any group is equipped to handle it, it's this one. They're not just playing for another championship; they're playing to cement a legacy that began back in high school.
The business side of sports often breaks up talented groups prematurely, but these seven have defied that trend. In today's landscape where players frequently transfer for more playing time or exposure, their commitment to their shared project is refreshing. I've spoken with scouts who estimate that at least four of these players have professional potential, yet they've chosen to see this journey through together. That decision speaks volumes about their character and their understanding that some achievements are more meaningful when shared with those who've been with you from the start.
When that final buzzer sounds on UAAP Season 88, regardless of the outcome, what they've accomplished will stand as a testament to what's possible when talent meets continuity. That "4 Pics 1 Word" puzzle I mentioned earlier - the answer wasn't about individual brilliance but collective identity. In the same way, this NU-Nazareth core has demonstrated that the most satisfying victories come not from assembling superstars, but from growing together. As a longtime observer of the sport, I'll miss watching their particular brand of basketball, but I'm grateful for the reminder that in an era of constant movement, there's still magic in staying put and building something lasting with people who share your journey.