PJ Palacielo of the NU Bulldogs expects newly committed recruit Daniel Padilla to give his maximum effort in earning a spot on the team’s final lineup.
Following NU’s Round of 16 victory over the Arellano Chiefs in the 2026 Asiabasket NSAC last Sunday, Palacielo said in an exclusive interview with Rebanse that despite committing to the Bulldogs, no player is guaranteed a roster spot.
“Kung baga sa NU, hindi ‘yan automatic lineup ka kapag sinabing nandito ka,” said the Bulldogs’ big man. “Kailangan mong trabahuhin, makipag-compete ka sa mga nandito, so nasa sa’yo na ‘yun kung gusto mo talaga maglaro sa NU,” he added.
PJ Palacielo and Daniel Padilla: The Reunion
The two-time NCAA juniors champion with the Letran Squires is no stranger to the NU Bulldogs program.
“Ah, ayun teammate ko na ‘yan si Daniel nung high school pa lang, kakabalik niya lang. Parang bumalik lang—ayun nga, nagulat ako bumalik na [siya],” Palacielo said.
The 6-foot-1 guard was previously part of two Passerelle championship teams with the NU Nazareth Bullpups. During that span, the pride of Duljo, Cebu City also became teammates with PJ Palacielo.
Years later, PJ Palacielo and Daniel Padilla are set to reunite once again—this time with the men’s basketball team of National University. That is, if the latter does earn that spot the former was talking about.
Although Padilla is expected to become elibgile only in UAAP Season 90, his arrival is undoubtedly a welcome development for NU as the Bulldogs continue their pursuit of another championship.
