Despite an outstanding debut for defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST), rookie Karylle Sierba knows there’s still room for improvement.
The 18-year-old newcomer was one of the most anticipated rookies heading into the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament, and she didn’t disappoint.
Sierba, a product of UST High School, helped lead the Growling Tigresses to a dominant 86-44 victory over the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
As a former NBA 3×3 Philippines Most Valuable Player, Sierba entered the game with high expectations.
She logged the most minutes for UST, playing 23:14, and made an immediate impact. Sierba delivered 18 points, shooting a sharp 8-of-13 from the field, including 7-of-9 from inside the arc.
Her contributions extended beyond scoring as she added four rebounds, three assists, and three steals while boasting a game-high plus-32 efficiency.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siyempre po, yung first game ko po ngayon, medyo kinabahan lang po ako konti,” Sierba admitted about her debut.
Her coach, Haydee Ong, responded with humor: “Kinabahan pa siya niyan ha.”
Sierba’s UAAP journey began in Season 86, where she competed in the inaugural High School Girls 3×3 tournament.
She led the Junior Tigresses to a silver finish, falling just short against the National University-Nazareth School Lady Bullpups in the final.
However, her debut in the collegiate 5-on-5 division showed a more tentative side.
Initially passive, Sierba needed a bit of encouragement from her coaches to regain her confidence. Once that happened, she came alive on the court.
“Naniwala lang po ako sa coaches na may tiwala sa akin, na huwag matakot na mag-score at sa pagpasok po ng court, kailangan ibigay namin yung best namin,” said Sierba.
After such a stellar first game for the reigning champs, it’s likely that Sierba will be in Rookie of the Year conversations by the end of the tournament.
