Since UAAP Season 88, the University of Santo Tomas has established itself as the benchmark in women’s basketball.
The Growling Tigresses swept the Season 88 elimination round before dethroning the NU Lady Bulldogs in the Finals, winning by an average margin of 20 points.
In the ongoing Season 89, UST has remained unbeaten through 12 games after hurdling a tough challenge from Ateneo de Manila University, 87-80, on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
But while the Growling Tigresses are undoubtedly the team to beat, there is also little doubt that the division’s best individual player is Ateneo Blue Eagle Kacey Dela Rosa.
Ahead of UST’s final elimination round game against the graduating Dela Rosa, Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong made sure to give the two-time MVP her flowers, comparing her to some of the players who also dominated the UAAP during their collegiate careers.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Of course, parang mga Afril Bernardino, Jack Animam si Kacey. Very happy na naka-produce tayo ng mga ganiyang klaseng athletes,” said Ong, who has had the opportunity to coach and compete against some of the country’s top players throughout her decorated career.
Ong has long advocated for the growth of the often-underappreciated women’s division, having played for UST in the late 1980s before transitioning to coaching.
She also coached the national team from 2008 to 2014 and previously handled Ateneo.
Under Ong’s guidance, UST also put an end to NU’s dynasty in Season 86.
Dela Rosa, meanwhile, made an immediate impact upon arriving in the UAAP in Season 85, winning Rookie of the Year honors before claiming back-to-back MVP awards.
The six-foot center has also represented the country on multiple occasions in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 competitions.
“Sana, in the future, meron pa tayong makitang another Afril, another Jack, another Allana Lim, another Kacey dela Rosa. Hanggang nandito tayo, we will try to produce as many players na generational players,” said Ong, who hopes to see more generational talents emerge in women’s basketball.
