The promising 18-year-old youngster had previously confirmed to join Adamson six months ago but decided to change direction for his career and family.

“Napili ko pong mag-NU kasi bukod sa magandang programa sa seniors, nakikita ko ring makakatulong ako sa team. Gusto ko din i-challenge ang sarili ko na mag-improve pa sa tulong nila coach Jeff [Napa],” he said in an interview with Spin.ph.

For the record, Figueroa played one season only for Adamson high school and averaged 13.19 points on 49 percent shooting, 14.19 rebounds, 3.13 assists, 1.56 steals, and 1.56 blocks. 

Also, he helped the Adamson Juniors to advance in the Final four after beating Ateneo in the first stage of the stepladder semis.

And despite changing his final tertiary education institution to represent, Figueroa was still grateful to the people in baby Falcons who guided him to the place where he is now.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Adamson kasi kung wala sila hindi ako mapupunta dito. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Coach Mike (Fermin), sa staff, at kayla Fr. Aldrin (Suan). Sila po yung nag-guide sa akin,” he said.

Meanwhile, since the NU Bulldogs were now continuously revamping their men’s basketball members and observed to have a swift recruitment pool this offseason, Figueroa will be a big boost to the team.

As being the latest recruit of the Bulldogs, Figueroa will join other newcomers Jiam Quiambao and Jolo Manansala from La Salle Greenhills, and former Bullpups Reyland Torres, Steve Nash Enriquez, Karl Gloria, and PJ Palacielo.