After three years, Kacey Dela Rosa has finally claimed a UAAP title.
On Sunday, the 6-foot center led Ateneo de Manila University to its breakthrough championship in the women’s 3×3 tournament — a long-awaited moment for the program and a personal milestone for the 21-year-old.
Now, with a gold medal in hand, Dela Rosa is hungrier than ever heading into the next UAAP 5-on-5 season.
“I’m really happy and sana sa 5-on-5 din, makuha namin. Pagtratrabahuin namin,” she said.
Since the conclusion of UAAP Season 87, Dela Rosa has been fully immersed in the 3×3 discipline.
She’s been training with Gilas Women 3×3 as a member of the Under-23 squad preparing for both the FIBA 3×3 Nations League and, hopefully, the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series with Manila Gilas.
According to Dela Rosa, her involvement in 3×3 has been instrumental in her development as a player.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Laking tulong nun kasi nag-improve yung individual skills ko at matuto makipaglaro sa iba’t ibang players,” said Dela Rosa, who also credited her daily workouts with Better Basketball’s Patrick Tancioco for sharpening her offensive skills.
Her progress was on full display during the UAAP 3×3 tournament.
Dela Rosa averaged 7.89 points and 6.67 rebounds per game, spearheading Ateneo’s turnaround from a 1-2 start to a Final Four berth. From there, she led the Blue Eagles to back-to-back upsets over defending champions UST Tigresses and the FEU Lady Tamaraws.
Now, she’s aiming to strike a balance between 5-on-5 and 3×3, recognizing that while the traditional format is the main pathway for a professional career, the fast-paced 3×3 game continues to shape her skills and mindset.
“Kaunti lang kasi yung 3×3 na liga natin so malaking bagay itong UAAP for experience para ready na kami for FIBA,” explained Dela Rosa, now a three-time UAAP MVP.
“Dito, nag-improve siguro yung individual skills ko na feel ko, could help me after UAAP.”
