After seeing limited opportunities early in her collegiate career, Jil Talas is finally making the most of her moment with Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire in the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Talas continues to thrive in the Valkyries’ campaign, providing a steady spark off the bench with her timely scoring and floor spacing as she emerges as one of the team’s reliable offensive weapons.
During her time at National University, Talas played sparingly as she found herself behind established guards like Camille Clarin and Aloha Betania in the rotation. Now, she is beginning to showcase the offensive potential that had long been waiting for an opportunity.
Barely used in her first two games with her new squad, Talas eventually showed what she was capable of and is now averaging 16.33 points per game during the Valkyries’ three-game winning streak to close out the first half of the regular season.
Talas said the trust and confidence given to her by her teammates and coaches have played a huge role in helping unlock her full potential, allowing her to play with greater freedom and consistency on the court.
“For me po, siguro ‘yung confidence kasi binibigyan ako ng kumpiyansa ng teammates saka ng coaches ko, so dahil bago lang ako sa team, pinapakita nila sa akin na malaki ‘yung tiwala nila sa akin. Nakaka-boost ng laro saka ng feeling na malaki ‘yung tiwala nila sa akin,” said Talas.
The 23-year-old guard has been a key piece in Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire’s turnaround after the team suffered its first loss of the season against Biñan-Tatak Gel, helping spark a run of three straight victories.
She erupted for 17 points, highlighted by five triples, in a dominant 108-61 bounce-back win over RK Hoops-Quezon City 10ACT before adding 10 points in a 72-56 triumph against Akari-Rizal as the Valkyries regained their rhythm.
(C) WMPBL
Talas then capped off the first round with a 22-point explosion built on five three-pointers as Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire dismantled Pasig, 93-65, forcing a three-way tie atop the standings with the Angels and the Sparks entering the next round.
“Actually, palagi naman po sinasabi ni Coach Cholo sa amin na wala naman po kaming best player or ano sa team na ‘to,” said Talas.
“So tiwala lang talaga kami sa isa’t isa, kung sino man ‘yung magbu-boost sa game, kung sino mang uminit, dun namin ibibigay ‘yung bola. Pero hindi naman po ibig sabihin sa kanya lang ‘yung bola, pero equal pa rin ‘yung bola,” she added.
Valkyries head coach Cholo Villanueva said he was hardly surprised by Talas’ breakout stretch, noting the hard work and dedication she consistently shows in practice.
He added that Talas’ recent production is simply the result of preparation finally translating into game-time success.
“Si Jil is getting the opportunities dito with us, learning the system. She’s working hard, especially in practice. She really worked on her game, that’s why she’s producing for us now and reaping the benefits of her hard work,” said Villanueva.
Talas, meanwhile, said she remains focused on improving her game as she looks to continue serving as a reliable spark off the bench for the Valkyries in the second round.
“Siguro mag-extra lagi before man or after training. Kapag may extra time kapag walang ginagawa, mage-extra shooting lang palagi para maging consistent.”
