Kristine Cayabyab was one of the student-athletes to look out for during the start of the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The 5-foot-10 forward out of Dagupan City literally grew in front of everyone’s eyes, rising to prominence during a Nike Rise event and gaining notoriety during her stints with Gilas Women.
But the 20-year-old product of Chiang Kai Shek did not have the dream start she had wanted with National University, averaging silent numbers of 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in her first four games.
Against Adamson University on Saturday, she finally broke out of her slump much to the relief of head coach Aris Dimaunahan.
“We welcome back Kristine Cayabyab. I’ve been missing her for four games already. I talked to her and I said I missed her,” said Dimaunahan as Cayabyab dropped 19 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two assists during NU’s 100-66 smothering of Adamson University.
“Yung games niya sa 3×3 and nakita ko sa kanya and the challenge for her is to show it to everyone that she could play.”
Cayabyab knows that she was not able to meet expectations in her first four games.
That is why she went back to basics heading into their game against the Lady Falcons.
“Para sa akin po, feeling ko ito na yung, nag-start ulit ako kase after apat na games, hindi talaga naging maganda,” said the reigning UAAP Women’s 3×3 MVP. “Inangat talaga ako ng mga teammates ko especially coach Aris yung kumpyansa ko.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa teammates ko dahil binigyan nila ako ng opportunity maging part ulit sa team.”
While Dimaunahan has too many weapons to name on the floor for NU, he was very pleased to see Cayabyab have that very important breakout game.
Targeting a seventh-consecutive crown, the Lady Bulldogs need everyone to contribute consistently to ward off any threats to their lofty perch.
To see Cayabcab finally produce big is something that bodes well for NU in its next games.
“Good thing she was there from the start and yung teammates niya were looking for her. I mean it’s not only her, it’s the whole team so congratulations everyone.”
