One of the standout student-athletes in the return of the UAAP girls’ basketball competition has made her decision.
Young Erica De Luna has chosen to turn blue, committing to Ateneo de Manila University.
The 5-foot-4 guard made the announcement on Tuesday.
For the 17-year-old, who will soon celebrate her debut, Ateneo has always been her dream school, ever since her days at Buli Elementary School in Muntinlupa.
“Super excited ako kasi elementary pa lang ako, I was dreaming about going to Ateneo na po,” said the soft-spoken De Luna to Tiebreaker Times.
“Dream school ko talaga siya kahit nung naglalaro ako ng volleyball nung elementary pa po ako.”
(C) LA Mumar
De Luna made history during the UAAP Season 87 tournament by recording the first-ever quadruple-double in league history.
In De La Salle-Zobel’s dominant 114-24 win over Ateneo, De Luna put up 32 points on 13-of-21 shooting, 16 rebounds, 12 steals, and 11 assists.
She ended the season with averages of 20.67 points, 9.83 rebounds, 5.17 steals, and 4.83 assists per game, earning a spot on the Mythical Team.
De Luna will play her final game as a Junior Lady Archer during the UAAP Season 87 High School Girls’ 3×3 Basketball Tournament, which begins this Thursday.
“We are thrilled that Erica and her family have chosen Ateneo. She has a clear vision of both studying and playing here,” said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.
De Luna is also excited that her best friend from DLSZ, Candice Udal, will be joining her at Ateneo.
“Super happy ako na makakasama ko rin si Candice sa Ateneo. Best friend ko rin siya dito sa Zobel kaya magiging easy ang adjustment namin,” said De Luna.
She added that she looks forward to learning from two-time MVP Kacey Dela Rosa.
For Mumar, the addition of De Luna is a testament to the program they are building.
“The foundation of the program has already been established, and we are eager to build on that. The addition of Erica speaks to that vision.“
