Kemi Adeshina has been a vital piece for Adamson University ever since she arrived in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The Nigerian center immediately proved her worth for the Lady Falcons, earning a spot on the Mythical Team. Adeshina continued to lead Adamson, culminating in a third-place finish last season.
Entering her fourth year, high expectations were placed on Adeshina, but a health issue limited her throughout the first round and a few games in the second round.
Through 11 games, her numbers dipped to just 6.73 points, 5.27 rebounds, 0.91 assists, 0.36 steals, and 0.18 blocks in 21:14 minutes per game.
But all signs have been encouraging in the Lady Falcons’ last two games as they ramp up their bid for a second consecutive Final Four appearance.
“What happened was in the first round, I was really sick kasi I had a health issue, so that was why my performance in the first round was very low. I don’t have enough strength to give my 100-percent,” shared the 24-year-old big on Wednesday after their 78-70 win over De La Salle.
“Coming into the second round, I had to pull myself together, get better to help the team because the team really needs me. I just have to keep pushing myself in practice and definitely my game will come back and that’s what’s happening right now,” she added.
She just missed a double-double against the Lady Archers, recording 17 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two assists as the Lady Falcons held on to fourth place with a 6-7 record.
Adeshina first regained her touch and confidence last Sunday in Adamson’s 69-65 win over the University of the Philippines, producing 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For Cheska Apag, who has been powering the Lady Falcons all season alongside Elaine Etang, the return of Adeshina’s dominance will be key if they want to replicate last year’s success.
“Sobrang saya po kasi naregain niya ‘yung katawan niya ngayon. Nung preseason, hindi talaga namin maipinta kung kaya niya bang maglaro or ayaw niya na bang lumaro kasi grabe ‘yung health issue niya talaga eh,” said Apag.
“Sobrang proud din ako kasi kahit training, grabe ‘yung effort ni Ate Kemi mapa-bench man or nasa loob ng court, makikita mo talaga siyang magha-hustle. Nakaka-proud lang kasi kahit ganoong na-stuck siya sa sakit niya, nag-bounce back naman siya.”
Adeshina will face a tough challenge against Ateneo de Manila University in their final game of the elimination round on Sunday.
A win against the Blue Eagles — the team they knocked out in the stepladder last Season 87 — would guarantee the Lady Falcons at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.
“Ateneo is a good team. We stay focused because last year, we played a game against them with the belief and good effort from everyone, we were able to win against Ateneo, most especially Kacey Dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjuola, they are so big, so we play more defense on them, we try our best,” said Adeshina.
