RP Under-16 captain JJ Alejandro commits to NU

Dead-set on breaking their UAAP men’s seniors division basketball tournament Final Four appearance drought, National University secured a commitment from Energen Pilipinas Under-16 national team captain Rodolfo "J-Jay" Alejandro III, the school announced.   NU, which has not seen post-season play in the UAAP since 2001 with Jeff Napa, recruited the much-heralded Bobby Ray Parks last year. Though he was named UAAP MVP, the team finished fifth for the second straight year.   Alejandro, the university hopes, will be able to push them over the top.   The 6-foot guard averaged an NCAA Juniors-best 25.4 points last season with the Malayan High School Red Robins, the high school affiliate of the Mapua Cardinals, plus 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals.   Despite his best efforts though, Malayan finished fifth, with a 10-8 record.   Alejandro went on however to become captain of the country's Under-16 team, helping the Philippines reach fourth place. In one game, Alejandro even dropped 34 points on the heads of their Japanese rivals.   “He's a very talented player and we're glad to have him under our tutelage," NU head coach Eric Altamirano said.   Alejandro joins what is expected to be a loaded point guard position that currently has Jelo Alolino and Cedrick Labing-isa, themselves former national team standouts.   Despite that, Alejandro is excited to be making the leap to the collegiate ranks with NU. "I think NU's basketball program will help me develop my skills more," Alejandro said in Filipino. "They're a young team and I'm looking forward to contributing."  - AMD, GMA News