Highly touted rookie Cielo Pagdulagan encountered rookie jitters in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Although she averaged 8.57 points, 5.57 rebounds, 1.43 assists, and 1.14 steals in National University’s sweep of the first round, her performance was not on par with expectations for the two-time UAAP high school girls’ 3×3 basketball Most Valuable Player.
However, constant advice from her seniors and the coaching staff helped keep her head straight despite the struggles.
In the Lady Bulldogs’ opening game of the second round, the Pagdulagan everyone had been waiting for showed up.
She broke out in their 82-62 win against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 19-year-old rookie out of NU-Nazareth scored 16 points on an impressive 7-of-11 shooting in the paint. She also dished out seven assists, grabbed six rebounds, and tallied five steals – all while having zero turnovers in her 24 minutes on the floor.
Her presence was a significant advantage for the Lady Bulldogs, as she was a plus-27 during the minutes she spent on the court.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sa tingin ko po medyo komportable na ako, pero alam ko pong marami pa akong kailangan i-adjust and mas kailangan ko pa pong i-improve yung defense ko,” said Pagdulagan, who was second in the Rookie of the Year race after the first round.
Head coach Aris Dimaunahan praised Pagdulagan’s consistent work ethic despite her shaky performances during the first seven games.
The one-time champion tactician hopes that this breakout game will be the start of something even better for the do-it-all winger.
“It’s a testament kung gaano siya katibay kasi syempre nung first round, medyo up and down yung game niya. She’s finding the consistency that we’re looking for, and I think today is her breakout game,” said Dimaunahan.
“I’m just happy na she responded well. Her numbers today tell about how dedicated Cielo is and how open her heart and mind are sa mga advice na binibigay sa kanya when she was struggling in the first round.”
He lauded her, “Hindi siya huminto; she kept working on her game daily, and yun, today we saw kung ano si Cielo Pagdulagan, and I believe marami pang ibibigay itong player na ‘to.”
