Though Gilas Women did not have the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup debut they had hoped for, Vanessa De Jesus experienced something she had never felt before.
Despite home team Australia pouring it on their visitors, the huge Filipino contingent inside the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre never left the team behind, cheering them on for every basket made and every defensive stop.
And the 21-year-old guard out of Duke University knew right then and there that she was playing for something much bigger than herself.
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“It means everything to me. I knew we had fans here in Sydney, and finally being here, feeling the atmosphere, and hearing them—I am just grateful for the love and support from them. It just makes the game more fun,” said De Jesus.
“I hope we can put on a show for them every night. We are playing for them.”
Star-studded was the supporters of Gilas Women as the Filipinas were watching on the stands.
Players present were the likes of Malea Cesar, Inna Palacios, Isbaella Pasion, Kaiya Jota, Hali Long, Alicia Barker, Quinley Quezada, Eva Madarang, and Jaclyn Sawicki as they are also in Australia for the final stage of their preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Against the Opals, the 5-foot-8 Filipino-American guard finished with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting.
However, the Aussies were just too big, bullying Gilas from end to end en route to a 105-34 win.
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“We came out excited to play. It’s our first game in the Asia Cup and I think we came out with the energy but obviously, Australia is a good team. We knew that coming in,” she opined.
“They played a hell of a game and we will come back much stronger.”
There’s no time to sulk for De Jesus and Gilas though as they still have Japan and Chinese-Taipei in the next two days.
And De Jesus vows that they will put on a show.
“Honestly, I’ve been waiting for this for a while. Just getting out there and playing for the Philippines is a dream come true. I’m just excited to play again tomorrow, come out stronger, and enjoy this experience.”
