A year can make all the difference. For Erinn McAlary, it has been the difference between being a third-stringer and becoming one of the University of Santo Tomas’ most valuable players.
The Fil-Australian forward has emerged as an Elite Team-caliber player in her sophomore year, making a significant leap in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament.
McAlary ranked fifth in the MVP race after the first round, tallying 69.286 statistical points on averages of 10.71 points, 5.71 rebounds, 2.29 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks in more than 21 minutes per game across seven appearances.
It was a promising response to head coach Haydee Ong’s decision to give McAlary a bigger role this season following the graduation of key players Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“I think si Erinn naman that’s why she’s here in UST kasi I saw a big potential in her talaga and right in the system of UST,” said Ong, who has been pleased with the sophomore’s development.
“I’m just blessed that she said yes to me going to UST. Now, she’s playing a bigger role in her second year.”
McAlary’s progress becomes even more evident when compared to her rookie campaign, during which she averaged just 2.54 points, 1.23 rebounds, 0.54 assists, and 0.62 steals in 7:42 minutes per game.
Rather than be discouraged by her limited playing time, however, McAlary stayed the course and trusted the process. Now, she is beginning to reap the rewards of her patience and hard work.
Her transformation began late in Season 88, when Ong gave the 5-foot-10 forward from Melbourne, Australia, an opportunity to play in the UAAP 3×3 tournament.
That experience helped McAlary build the confidence she now brings to her expanded role as a do-it-all contributor for the Growling Tigresses in the 5-on-5 competition.
Despite her rise in the rotation, the 20-year-old believes her impact has been built less on her offensive skills than on her ability to make a difference defensively.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“My mindset always was just to focus on the next play, and we started a bit slow on defense, so defense is one of my strong suits, so I always make sure that I’m contributing with my role on defense,” said McAlary.
“Always just putting in the effort on defense and trying to help the team through that way.”
With McAlary embracing her role on both ends of the floor, UST remains on course for a second consecutive elimination-round sweep. The Growling Tigresses improved to 8-0 after opening the second round with a dominant 93-65 victory over the University of the Philippines.
UST has won its games by an average of 26.75 points this season, and McAlary’s emergence as a reliable two-way contributor has played a significant role in the team’s continued dominance.
