NU welcomes Baculi, new era in Bulldogs varsity hoops

MANILA, Philippines – Multititled basketball coach Junel Baculi took on a new challenge Tuesday after he was officially designated as athletic director of National University, a move that could signal the dawn of a new era in an otherwise perpetually moribund varsity program. Baculi takes over the place of Arlene Royo, the long-time NU sports official who will still retain her position as the school’s representative to the UAAP Board. Baculi, a former Mapua King Cardinal, brings to NU a stellar coaching career which includes titles with Welcoat Paints and Hapee Toothpaste in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and a gold medal in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games. Baculi said he is looking forward to upgrading NU’s recruitment program not only in basketball, but in all of sports. “I hope I could make a difference with this new position," he said. He has been given a four-year term by new NU president and owner Hans Sy. The Bulldogs are currently winless in four games into the 71st season of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament. Baculi added he rather not rock the boat at this moment, opting to finish the entire season before making his assessment on the team coached by Manny Dandan. – GMANews.TV