It had been a long but fruitful off-season for reigning UAAP Women’s Basketball Most Valuable Player, Kacey Dela Rosa.
After missing out on the national team window last year, Dela Rosa joined Gilas Women in their campaign at the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Rwanda.
The experience proved to be an eye-opener for the 20-year-old rising star.
“Kasama ko sila Ate Jack (Animam) dun sa Rwanda at dami kong natutunan sa kanila talaga, lalo na sa mga kalaban namin dun,” shared Dela Rosa, who averaged 5.0 points and 3.3 rebounds for Gilas Women.
“Lahat ang lalaki kaya I think mas nag-mature ako sa laro after nun.”
During her stint in Rwanda, Dela Rosa had the opportunity to learn from Jack Animam, the country’s top female basketball player and a five-time UAAP champion.
The young forward was particularly struck by Animam’s relentless passion for the game, something that fueled her own drive to improve.
“Go hard si Ate Jack and puso talaga. Yung last game namin, umiyak siya kasi alam niyang kaya namin eh,” said Dela Rosa.
“Wala ako masabi talaga sa passion niya.”
As she prepares for her third season at Ateneo, Dela Rosa is taking on more responsibility as a leader, stepping out of her previously reserved role.
(C) FIBA.basketball
“Mahirap pero kailangan ko maging leader at ate para sa kanila all throughout the season,” she explained.
Her leadership and growth were on full display in Ateneo’s game against the University of the Philippines. There, Dela Rosa scored a season-high 34 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and added three blocks.
Ateneo head coach LA Mumar expressed pride in Dela Rosa’s development over the past few weeks.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Everybody knows that Kacey is the main player of our team. It’s not just the points but also her leadership. She was also able to play great defense and make great decisions out of double and triple teams,” Mumar said.
“We hope she continues to grow and mature, not just for Ateneo but for our country.”
