JP Yude was seeking aggressiveness after Adamson University’s loss to National University last Wednesday, and he found it on Sunday.
The Lady Falcons turned to transferee Barbie Jamili, and she delivered the energy and aggressiveness as they escaped the University of the East in four sets, 25-19, 25-19, 26-28, 29-27, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
In Adamson’s first three games, Jamili was not fielded as Yude opted for the tested duo of Lucille Almonte and Ishie Lalongisip as his open hitters.
However, after a 1-2 start, he wasn’t satisfied and decided to go with Jamili and rookie Red Bascon against UE.
“Very good talaga ‘yung nilaro ngayon kasi after ng game namin ng NU sabi ko — kasi sa training naman nagagawa nila ‘yun sabi ko try na small lineup basta aggressive,” said the first-year Adamson head coach.
“Pinapractice namin si Lucille, si Ishie maganda sila pumasa pero the aggressiveness is kulang so nag-decide kami after loss sa NU, try something new,” he continued.
Jamili responded to the call with a solid 20-point debut on 18 attacks and two blocks while also contributing in other departments, tallying 12 digs and six excellent receptions.
Bascon also made an impact with 13 points.
Grateful for the opportunity that will surely give her more playing time moving forward, Jamili expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you po kay coach kasi binigyan niya ako ng chance para makatulong sa team. Thank you po sa patience,” said the 21-year-old Cebuana.
However, there might be more to come for Jamili as she revealed that nerves got to her during her first game in the UAAP in a long while.
She was part of the dynastic National University-Nazareth School Lady Bullpups back in high school alongside Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, among others.
“Masaya po na kinakabahan kasi first time po ulit maglaro sa UAAP,” said Jamili on her debut.
