Reigning MVP Kacey Dela Rosa has been a dominant force in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate women’s basketball tournament, and everyone knows it.
Despite this being common knowledge among basketball enthusiasts, her head coach at Ateneo de Manila University, LA Mumar, still couldn’t help but praise what Dela Rosa brings to the table for both the Blue Eagles and women’s basketball as a whole.
The 6-foot center from Chiang Kai Shek College is on pace to replicate what only the legendary Cameroonian big man, Ben Mbala, achieved back in Season 79 – posting double-doubles in all 14 elimination round games.
So far, Dela Rosa has recorded double-doubles in all seven of Ateneo’s first-round games, averaging 21.43 points, 14.71 rebounds, and 2.14 blocks.
With those numbers, she currently leads the MVP race heading into the second round.
“I’ve never seen anybody like her, honestly,” Mumar said on Saturday after Ateneo’s 58-66 loss to National University.
“I know Jack (Animam) is a monster too, but Kacey can hit threes – we saw it kanina – guard wings and point guards. Iba talaga, eh. Parang nung nagpaulan si Lord ng talent, medyo nabiyayaan ng marami si Kacey. So, yeah, more great things are hopefully in store for her.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Mumar’s mention of Jack Animam referred to a UAAP legend who finished her collegiate career with the Lady Bulldogs at an undefeated 80-0.
Animam was a one-time league MVP, Finals MVP, part of four Mythical Teams, and Season 78 Rookie of the Year.
The 6-foot-5 center now plays professionally for BC ICIM Arad in Romania.
Mumar highlighted that Dela Rosa, in her third year in the UAAP, is now reaping the rewards of her hard work.
“She’s never worked harder than she has this year. Extraordinary talent. Kahit supplemented with coaching, but it’s really her talent that shines. Kacey is very coachable,” said Mumar.
However, with the Blue Eagles just barely holding onto a Top Four spot after the first round, Dela Rosa feels uneasy, knowing she could have done more to put her team in a better position.
Ateneo sits in solo fourth place with a 4-3 record, just one game ahead of the fifth-running University of the Philippines, which holds a 3-4 record.
“I think yung performance ko is not enough to help the team. Marami pa akong kailangang trabahuhin para mas makatulong pa sa team namin,” said Dela Rosa.
