Carrying an NBA icon’s name might seem like an immense burden, but for National University’s Steve Nash Enriquez, it’s just a part of his journey. Named after the legendary Phoenix Suns star, Enriquez is determined to carve out his own path, especially as he showcases his skills in UAAP Season 87 with the Bulldogs.
Steve Nash Enriquez: The Pressure of Sharing an NBA Icon’s Name
From the get-go, Enriquez had eyes on him—thanks to his parents being die-hard fans of the original Steve Nash, the man who won two MVP titles in the early 2000s and defined the fast-paced “Seven Seconds or Less” offense. But Enriquez isn’t here to live in the shadow of the basketball great. “Just because I share the name doesn’t mean we play the same. I’m grateful for my name, but I’m here to play my game,” he said confidently, dismissing any added pressure.
Coming from a family with deep basketball roots—his grandfather, Alfredo Enriquez, was a pioneer in the PBA—it’s no surprise the sport flows in his blood. However, Enriquez emphasizes that while he has drawn some inspiration from Nash, particularly his passing skills, his focus remains on bringing out his own style. “I learned Nash’s passing ability, but my goal is simple: to make my teammates happy,” he shared.
While Enriquez has delivered promising performances this season, the NU Bulldogs have struggled. With a disappointing 1-3 record so far, they’ve fallen short against heavyweights like La Salle and UP, and most recently, UST. Despite the setbacks, Enriquez remains optimistic. “There are still games to play, more chances to prove ourselves. Losing hurts, but it’s all part of God’s plan,” he remarked, showing his resilience and faith.
Now in his third year, Enriquez has stepped into the role of a veteran within the Jeff Napa-led team. After each painful defeat, he motivates his teammates, urging them to keep their heads high. “I told the guys, there’s no time to sulk. We’ve already lost, but if we bury ourselves in it, how will we rise again? As long as there’s hope, as long as we’re alive and healthy, we know we can do this,” he said with conviction.
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