Raiza Palmera-Dy’s celebrated collegiate basketball career always came with tough hurdles to overcome.
The Most Valuable Player of the UAAP Season 74 women’s basketball tournament, Palmera-Dy has dealt with various injuries, but her desire has never wavered. She would make it past every adversity ever since.
The latest the Perlas Pilipinas mainstay has had to deal with was a torn meniscus on her left knee, which she sustained during the Philippines’ first game during the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship for Women.
Palmera-Dy sat out the rest of the tournament, and had an operation last year before spending two months in recovery. But during the time off, the playmaker still dealt with the situation positively and never doubted in her ability to bounce back.
“Hindi na kasi bago sa akin yung injuries although first time ko operahan sa knees. Alam ko naman yung process so kailangan talaga may therapy, if pipilitin agad, hindi pa rin handa at bibigay rin yan,” Palmera-Dy said.
“I never doubted (it would be the end) because basketball is my passion.”
Palmera-Dy finally saw action once more when she made her PBA 3-on-3 debut for the Blackwater Elite last Wednesday. The new opportunity is something to cheer for, and she has high hopes in mind.
Photos courtesy of PBA Images
“I am happy to be back after injuries from FIBA Asia. Anyway, maganda naman ang result doon so wala akong pinagsisisihan,” she shared.
“This one is special. Ito yung league ko na first time kong sinalihan na 3-on-3. Of course PBA, it is known for basketball (in the entire country). I am very happy and very glad.”
Palmera-Dy has the support of everyone, including her husband whom she says is also a basketball enthusiast.
A veteran and one of the longest-tenured Perlas players still has time to enjoy the sport she loves, Palmera-Dy wants to be happy and make impact while she can.
“Dito naman sa PBA 3-on-3, this is a big first step. At least alam na rin nila may mga babaeng aspirants, mahilig rin sa basketball, so at least makita nila na may talent din ang babae for basketball.”
