Barby Dajao isn’t looking far for the next chapter of her basketball journey — she’s staying right where her heart is.
The versatile winger of the UST Junior Tigresses has committed to the University of Santo Tomas for her collegiate career.
“Sa UST ako siyempre.
“Sobrang grateful ako sa coaches ko kasi pinagkakatiwalaan nila ako. Ibibigay ko lagi yung best ko para sa UST,” said Dajao.
The 19-year-old standout from Bacolod City will carry with her a trove of experience after dominating the UAAP girls’ high school division.
In just a span of three months, Dajao led the Junior Tigresses to back-to-back championships, claiming both the 5-on-5 and 3×3 crowns. She didn’t just lead them to titles — she was also named Most Valuable Player in both tournaments.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the 5-on-5 tourney, she averaged a stellar stat line of 17.25 points, 11.25 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 4.13 steals per game. She continued her impressive play in the recently-concluded 3×3 tournament, putting up 7.0 points and 5.25 rebounds per outing.
More impressively, Dajao and UST went undefeated throughout UAAP Season 87, a testament to the team’s dominance and her leadership.
“Malaking achievement ito para sa pagakyat sa college. Hindi namin talaga inisip yung pagiging championship kundi paano pa magi-improve every game para sa college,” she said, reflecting on the mindset instilled by Junior Tigresses head coach Sen Dysangco.
Her leadership and unselfish play left a lasting impact on her teammates — particularly Grade 10 guard Rhiane Perez, who credited Dajao for their successful campaign.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sobrang thankful kami kay Ate Barby kasi siya yung teammate na hindi ka papabayaan. Gusto niya lahat kami umaangat at hindi lang siya. Napakalaking bagay ng leadership niya kaya kami nagchampion,” said Perez.
As Dajao transitions to the collegiate level, she remains grounded and aware that there’s still plenty of work ahead. She feels especially excited to learn and grow alongside some of the UST Growling Tigresses’ seasoned players, including Kent Pastrana.
“Expectation ko po is yung mag-improve pa yung laro ko at mahanap yung role ko. Excited din ako na makasama ang mga ate ko, tulad nila Ate Kent,” she said.
