Kacey Dela Rosa must have had an out-of-body experience in 2025.
What she accomplished in just one year is something that could take others an entire career to achieve.
The two-time UAAP MVP averaged 18.36 points, 14.64 rebounds, 2.36 assists, and 2.57 blocks in the elimination round, leading Ateneo de Manila University to a finish just one referee’s call away from a finals berth.
Her dominance extended beyond the collegiate scene.
METEORIC RISE
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Dela Rosa played a pivotal role in helping Gilas Women secure sixth place in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A in Shenzhen, China, leading the tournament in blocks with an average of 2.0 per game.
She also propelled the Philippines to victories in four of the six stops of the FIBA 3×3 Nations League, earning the country its first-ever appearance in the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Xiong An, China. That historic achievement also pushed the Philippines to a career-high 14th place in the world rankings—the highest ever for any Philippine team in the 3×3 circuit.
Dela Rosa capped off her extraordinary year by helping Gilas Women sweep all their matches to claim the Southeast Asian Games gold medal.
During UAAP Season 87, where she earned her second MVP award, she recorded monster averages of 22.1 points, 16.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game, signaling that it was only a matter of time before her dominance would extend to the international stage.
NEW HEIGHTS
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Dela Rosa initially struggled in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, serving mostly as a backup to star center Jack Animam. But in the crucial game against Lebanon, she delivered 10 points, five rebounds, three steals, and a block, helping Gilas Women defeat Lebanon 73-70. That win advanced the team to the Qualification for the Semi-Finals and secured their first-ever entry into the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
While Gilas Women’s recent international rise has been anchored by the 6-foot-4 Animam, the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand posed a challenge.
Animam was unavailable due to her club commitments with the Denso Iris in Japan, leaving a gaping hole in the middle.
Coach Patrick Aquino found the perfect solution in Dela Rosa, who provided muscle, interior dominance, and leadership on both ends of the floor.
Averaging 20.25 points, 11.25 rebounds, and nearly three blocks per game, Dela Rosa led Gilas Women to their third SEA Games gold in the last four editions. Her combination of strength, fundamentals, and footwork marked her as a player ready for the next level.
Looking ahead, the prospect of Animam and Dela Rosa playing together will be a major boost as Gilas Women enter Group D of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France.
With underdog matchups against Germany, Nigeria, South Korea, Colombia, and host France, Dela Rosa has already proven she can slide to the power forward spot and remain highly effective.
At 27, Animam brings experience, while the 21-year-old Dela Rosa offers youth and athleticism.
With a deep pool of young talents like Louna Ozar, Naomi Panganiban, Sumayah Sugapong, 17-year-old Sophia Dignadice, Kristan Yumul, Gabby Ramos, 6-foot-1 Sam Medina, and 15-year-old Tiffany Reyes, the future of Gilas Women looks bright—and Dela Rosa and Animam will undoubtedly be at the forefront of it.
