Zaydhen Rosano showed maturity beyond her years, helping National University secure its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 collegiate women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The 17-year-old rookie from the NU Nazareth School girls’ program delivered 13 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block as the Lady Bulldogs defeated the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 87-77.
But that was just the beginning of Rosano’s day.
After NU’s game, Rosano was set to fly to Malaysia to join Gilas Pilipinas Women for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, which gets underway on Sunday.
“Thankful pa rin po ako kasi nanalo kami [dito sa NU]. Other competition naman po bukas. Focused po ako dito ngayon sa UAAP, focus naman po sa Gilas next,” said Rosano, who turns 18 on October 9.
Gilas Pilipinas is bracketed in Group A alongside Oceania powers Australia and New Zealand, as well as South Korea.
China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and host Malaysia make up Group B.
(C) SBP
The top team in each group will clinch an outright berth in the semifinals, while the second- and third-ranked teams will advance to the play-in round.
The Philippines opens its campaign against Australia on Sunday at 11:30 AM.
For Rosano, Gilas Pilipinas must simply show its trademark fighting spirit in the group stage, especially against the heavily-favored Oceania teams.
“Malaking responsibilidad po and a big opportunity po, kasi pinapangarap lang po ito makamit ng girls. And I’m one of the players na napili po,” said Rosano, who is ready to represent the country.
“Tapangan lang po namin kasi hindi lang apelyido ‘yung dala-dala namin kundi ang Pilipinas na po,” she continued.
Rosano has already made an impression in the UAAP women’s division just two games into her collegiate career. In her debut last Wednesday against Adamson University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, she contributed six points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
NU head coach DA Olan, meanwhile, hardly felt surprised by Rosano’s immediate impact at the collegiate level despite being only 17 years old.
“Tingin ko ‘di na rookie ito eh. By the way she plays, parang hindi siya rookie. Gina-guide siya ng mga veterans, pero ako, sa tingin ko, hindi siya rookie kahit rookie siya. Malaki ‘yung naitutulong niya sa team,” said Olan of his Gilas-bound winger.
