(CNN Philippines, June 16) — Vanessa de Jesus is finally representing the Philippines on the global stage.
The point guard of Duke University, a Division I school in the US NCAA, is hoping that she can share her winning experience to Gilas Pilipinas as they compete in the FIBA Asia Cup in Australia.
\”I’m a winner,\” de Jesus told CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk Thursday. \”That’s one thing I pride myself about. Since high school I won state championships.\”
\”Here at Duke, we made a really long run in the tournament even the conference almost winning it,\” she also said. \”That’s one aspect I hope to bring and my competitve nature.\”
The 21-year-old will serve as Gilas’ naturalized player in the continental showpiece.
De Jesus said playing in the FIBA Asia Cup will be a learning process as it will give her another perspective to improve her game.
\”Being in this new environment,\” she said, \”playing against different people across the world and learn basketball from different background I think will help me grow different aspects of my game and elevate myself as a player.\”
Pat Aquino, head coach and program director of Gilas Pilipinas Women, revealed that they have been recruiting De Jesus since 2019 but the pandemic halted their pursuit.
The veteran national team mentor is confident de Jesus’ leadership will bring them to great heights.
\”She’s really amazing,\” Aquino noted. \”She’s a real player that got the mentality of a point guard. I think she can carry the team by her own.\”
