Aubrey Lapasaran may still be adjusting to the demands of collegiate basketball, but the trust of National University’s coaching staff and veteran teammates is helping the rookie point guard find her footing with the Lady Bulldogs.
The 19-year-old Gilas Youth guard delivered her best collegiate performance yet in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, erupting for a career-high 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal as NU overwhelmed Ateneo de Manila University, 84-60, to open the second round on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Lapasaran surpassed her previous career-high of seven points, which she recorded in her collegiate debut against Adamson University.
Beyond her impressive numbers, Lapasaran credited head coach Da Olan and the rest of the coaching staff for their patience and confidence in her as she continues to adjust to playing point guard at the collegiate level.
“Malaki po talaga ang pasasalamat ko kay Coach Da na pinagkakatiwalaan niya ako. Despite po sa marami pa akong [kailangan] i-improve pa, malaki ‘yung tiwala na binibigay niya sa akin, lalo na sa lahat ng games at trainings,” the 19-year-old guard said. “Pinagtiyagaan nila akong tulungan, lalo na sa position ko as a point guard. Hindi ko pa po masyadong gamay ang posisyon na ‘yun.
“Maraming salamat, Coach DA.”
After averaging just 3.86 points, 2.29 rebounds, and 0.57 steals in the first round, Lapasaran also emerged as NU’s second-leading scorer against the Blue Eagles, helping the Lady Bulldogs notch their second consecutive victory.
The rookie has also leaned on NU’s veteran core, particularly Tin Cayabyab, Karl Ann Pingol, Cielo Pagdulangan, and Aloha Betanio, as she learns to direct the Lady Bulldogs’ offense.
Cayabyab, who led NU with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals against Ateneo, emphasized the responsibility of the team’s seniors to guide their rookie floor general as she adjusts to her expanded role.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“As a senior, trabaho rin namin na i-guide sila … Siya rin ang point guard namin at siya ‘yung direktor namin sa court,” Cayabyab said.
“Malaking bagay din talaga if ‘yung nag-gu-guide din sa amin inside the court, sila ‘yung mas nakakakita ng puwede pa naming i-adjust, ‘yung puwede naming gawin, at mga advantages namin.”
Having played alongside Lapasaran during their high school years with the NU Nazareth School Lady Bullpups, Cayabyab also expressed confidence in the rookie’s potential, recalling how dominant she was even then.
“Happy ako na ganyan ang laro ni Aubrey kasi since high school, ganyan naman talaga siya. Very dominant talaga siya.”
Despite her credentials coming out of high school, Lapasaran admitted that she still struggles to trust her own abilities. Rather than dwell on her doubts, however, she focuses on staying prepared whenever the coaching staff calls on her.
“Palagi ko lang pong mindset and sinasabi sa sarili ko na ready lang ako palagi. Kahit sa mga ates ko kagabi, sabi ko sa kanila, ‘Ready lang ako palagi ‘pag tinawag ako ni Coach Da.’ Sabi ko rin kay Coach D before the game, ‘Ready lang po ako, Coach,’” the Gilas Youth guard said.
While Lapasaran is still learning to believe in herself on the collegiate stage, she remains grateful for the people around her who continue to provide the confidence and support she needs to grow.
“Honestly, sa ngayon, wala po akong tiwala sa kung anong malalaro ko, and ayun, binigyan naman ako ng help nina Coach Da, ng ibang coaches, and lalo na sa mga teammates ko, si Ate Aloha (Betanio),” Lapasaran said.
“Binigyan nila ako ng tiwala and lumabas na po nang kusa.”
