Cielo Pagdulagan was one of the most anticipated rookies in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate women’s basketball tournament after a stellar high school career.
Pagdulagan, now a Lady Bulldog, was a product of National University Nazareth School and made a name for herself there.
The 19-year-old winger, however, has yet to show her true self at the collegiate level, even struggling from the field in her second game.
Pagdulagan finished with 12 points and five rebounds in NU’s 91-64 win over Far Eastern University but shot just 6-of-17 from the field.
“Sobrang naga-adjust pa po ako after two games lalo na po ngayon marami po akong attempts na hindi ko ma-finish nang maayos,” admitted the back-to-back UAAP 3×3 Girls Most Valuable Player.
“Alam ko pong marami pa po akong kailangan i-adjust kasi it’s college hoops na po unlike nung high school po, ngayon kailangan talaga ng focus, kailangan talaga mag-isip nang maayos.”
One thing is for sure though, he had already gotten the trust of her coaches and teammates despite being a newcomer.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
NU coach Aris Dimaunahan did not bat an eye despite the shooting struggles of Pagdulagan, knowing his new rookie would soon get her form.
“We give her the green light to be aggressive, to be kung ano siya. Kung attack player ka go on and do your stuff, just make sure if you miss you just get back on defense and no sorry for the coaches, baba lang sa depensa at bumawi doon,” said Dimaunahan
“I like the fact that she is, and she was aggressive for the past two games. Hindi pa yan yun, marami pa siya. Yung upside niya is sky high and we’re really excited for her kung anong maibibigay niya sa team namin.”
Camille Clarin, one of the leaders of this redemption-looking Lady Bulldogs, also shared that whatever trust Pagdulagan’s enjoying now, she earned it.
The prized rookie played more than 20 minutes off the bench in both of their first two games, tallying 11 points and four rebounds in their battle against De La Salle University.
“She earns that trust in practice every day. You may not see it right now in the game of course first two games of the season but that’s not something we’ve given her, she earned that,” said Clarin.
“We see it, we see what she’s capable of and I think that eventually you’re all gonna see it.”
