Ever since her first MVP season with Ateneo de Manila University, Kacey Dela Rosa has treated every individual award as just a bonus — keeping her eyes fixed on the ultimate prize.
Two years and two MVP awards later, the Blue Eagles’ cornerstone center is once again leading the race for the league’s top individual honor after the first round, tallying 96.571 statistical points.
Dela Rosa averaged 17.57 points, 15.0 rebounds, 2.86 assists, 2.43 blocks, and 1.71 steals to steer Ateneo to a 5-2 record and solo third place at the end of the first round.
Her outlook on the MVP award remains unchanged, but Dela Rosa admits that basketball has become easier this season. And it’s all thanks to Ateneo’s deeper and more balanced rotation.
“Siguro nagbago sa team namin na mas deep na ‘yung rotation and nakaka-help ‘yun sa akin sa minutes and hindi lang sa akin nagfo-focus ‘yung kalaban,” said Dela Rosa on Wednesday after their 82-70 win over FEU.
“Happy lang ako na kasama ko sila ngayon.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In previous seasons, Ateneo’s offense often revolved around Jhazmin Joson, Junize Calago, Sarah Makanjuola, and Dela Rosa herself.
Now, however, several Blue Eagles have stepped up and had their own breakout moments. Kai Oani, Camille Malagar, Kate Cancio, Gracie Batongbakal, and Erica de Luna have all made significant contributions throughout the campaign.
Nine games into the season, Ateneo remains in solo third with a 6-3 record. Their only defeats so far came against National University twice and University of Santo Tomas once.
Those two programs have faced off in the Finals for the past two seasons, with the Lady Bulldogs reclaiming the title last year after the Growling Tigresses won in Season 86.
For Ateneo to finally join that elite conversation, head coach LA Mumar believes they must master the “little things” that define championship teams.
“We talk about little things. ‘Yung mga maliliit na bagay that makes those two teams elite. For talent, I think we can match, but they have the experience, they have the basketball IQ,” said Mumar, who feels his team is now complete from top to bottom.
“I think we’re already growing into learning towards it pero ‘yung mga maliliit na bagay doon nila kami pinapatay,” he added.
“Hopefully, since we’re already a round in and in the middle of the second round, we learn those small championship things so we can be a championship team like them.”
