National University has been on a tear in their pursuit of an ‘eight-peat’ in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs have defeated fellow contender Ateneo Blue Eagles and the upstart FEU Lady Tamaraws by an average of 38.5 points.
However, NU is still not at full strength.
Yes, they are still waiting for one more standout, and that standout is none other than Stefanie Berberabe.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan is not rushing Berberabe to join the team as she has just completed a lengthy campaign with Gilas Pilipinas Women, which took her to Taiwan, Korea, and China.
“Hindi pa namin sure if she will be playing or not on Sunday. We will see how it goes and try to integrate her to our scheme of things. Hopefully, she adjusts quickly,” said Dimaunahan after their 95-58 win over the Lady Tamaraws last Wednesday.
Berberabe, a one-and-done guard, has yet to fully train with NU that is why Dimaunahan has some reservations on whether he will immediately field her on Sunday against the UP Fighting Maroons in a battle of unbeaten squads.
“She was with Gilas because we gave her to Gilas so that she can be 100-percent focused for the Asian Games. Personally, I didn’t want her to practice with us while she was still with Gilas kasi it may take its toll on her,” Dimaunahan explained.
“Hopefully, ma-integrate namin siya kagad.”
But a talent like Berberabe can easily adapt to any system.
The 5-foot-4 floor general spent five years at NAIA school Westmont.
In her senior year, she averaged 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
Berberabe is also a three-time NAIA First Team All-American and ranks third on Westmont’s all-time scoring list and first in all-time games played.
It’s safe to say that excitement is in the air for the Lady Bulldogs once Berberabe joins the team.
“Siyempre, sobrang galing na point guard si Stef kaya nakaka-excited na makasama siya. Nandun yung hindi na mahihirapan mga point guard namin na mag-create para sa amin,” said sophomore Tin Cayabyab, who played with Berberabe in Gilas.
“Si Stef sobrang taas ng IQ niya.”
