Already unstoppable in the collegiate basketball scene, five-time defending UAAP Women’s Basketball champions National University Lady Bulldogs furthered beefed up their lineup by adding one-and-done talent Kelli Hayes.
But according to head coach Patrick Aquino, the school did not bring the 6-foot guard to further impose their will on the league. They added her so that she can further grasp the system Aquino utilizes in Gilas Pilipinas.
“I think that’s the purpose of her being here. [It] Was to be on pace with what’s happening with Gilas and the way we play here. That’s why we took her in,” shared Aquino, who is also the program director of the Gilas Women’s program.
“That’s the main purpose – for the national team.”
Hayes had to overcome jetlag during her NU debut last Wednesday, however. She had arrived in the country less than 24 hours before their game.
Hayes only logged 11 minutes, posting four points on 2-of-7 shooting along with three rebounds, three steals, and two assists during NU’s 82-60 rout of the FEU Lady Tamaraws.
“She was great. Just came yesterday from the flight and I just told her to no longer sleep anymore so that she’ll have a good night’s sleep today. She played well and she boosts up our team, especially our young ones,” Aquino remarked about Hayes.
“It was my first game playing in the UAAP. It was fun playing with NU. I hadn’t had any real expectations for myself other than being a good teammate, running the system. I ran the system with Gilas so it’s really nothing new to me,” the 23-year-old cager opined.
“But it was a good experience for me in this first time with me on the court, with everyone in a real game and getting the win.”
Joining the Lady Bulldogs brings a lot of pressure, though. Besides trying to defend their crown for the sixth straight year, NU are also in the midst of a historic winning streak that has extended to 81 games.
For Hayes, though, she does not feel any pressure. For one, she has already played in the Elite Eight of the NCAA when she was with the UCLA Bruins.
What matters for her is to share her experience to the Lady Bulldogs, as majority of their team are part of the national team program.
“It’s exciting to get to this legacy that’s been built here,” she expressed.
“I just try to be myself, bringing my leadership and experience from UCLA, my seniority and all the intangibles that I already possess, and just bringing it to the team and carrying on the legacy that has been built here.”
