Kacey Dela Rosa aims to bring home Ateneo de Manila University’s first UAAP women’s basketball championship in 16 years now that the Blue Eagles have secured their spot in the Final Four.
Dela Rosa led Ateneo with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks in their 79-66 victory over Far Eastern University last Sunday.
She then echoed the sentiments of coach LA Mumar as the Blue Eagles secured their entry into the semifinals for the second consecutive year.
“Siguro, sabi nga ni coach, wag makuntento sa kung nasaan kami ngayon. Push pa kasi we’re really going for the championship,” said the Chiang Kai Shek College alumna.
No more needs to be said about Dela Rosa this year. The second-year, 20-year-old standout has continued her performance from her freshman year in Season 85, where she won the Rookie of the Year award.
She has averaged 19.25 points, 12.17 rebounds, and 2.58 blocks, making her a frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player award this season. Despite inching closer, the Gilas Pilipinas member stated that it was not her main goal in this campaign.
“Siguro di ko siya masyadong iniisip kasi nung nagpunta ako kay coach, parang sabi niya championship talaga so ayun talaga yung goal ko,” she said.
“Di ko makuha yung MVP siguro kung di rin dahil sa teammates ko.”
However, her answer provoked a quick rebuttal from her coach, who had a big grin while saying it.
“Makukuha mo yan,” said Mumar.