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Tag: Kacey Dela Rosa

  • Kacey Dela Rosa puts championship dream over professional offers as she returns for her final Ateneo season 

    Kacey Dela Rosa puts championship dream over professional offers as she returns for her final Ateneo season 

    For many rising stars, overseas offers signal the next big leap. For Ateneo de Manila University standout Kacey Dela Rosa, winning a UAAP women’s basketball championship before she leaves Katipunan is her goal.


    The two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player has confirmed her decision to return for her fifth and final playing year with the Blue Eagles, choosing unfinished business over early professional opportunities abroad.

     

    After guiding Ateneo from a semifinal exit to a podium finish in UAAP Season 88, Dela Rosa believes the program is close enough to take the next step, but not without one more push.

     

    Unsurprisingly, interest from outside leagues has begun to build around the 22-year-old center, whose size, skill, and versatility have also made her a fixture in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 competitions.

     

    She recently helped Ateneo secure a bronze finish in UAAP 3×3 basketball, further strengthening her reputation as one of the country’s most complete young frontcourt players.

     

    “Siguro, yung motivation ko talaga is yung hindi ko umalis nang walang championship. Kahit yung mga offers, hindi ko na masyadong pinapansin kasi yung Ateneo muna yung focus ko for now,” Dela Rosa said.

     

    Beyond individual accolades, she sees her final season as a chance to leave something more permanent within the Ateneo program.

     

    “Iniisip ko lang din kung anong makaka-help sa Ateneo community and sa teammates ko, gusto ko na parang mag-iwan talaga ako ng mabuti at magandang legacy sa Ateneo,” she said.

     

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    Her impact extends beyond collegiate play. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the Gilas Women program, where she has helped raise the profile of Philippine women’s basketball on the international stage. 

     

    Dela Rosa being honored with a special citation and inclusion in the Women’s Basketball Mythical Five in the recent Collegiate Press Corps Awards further cemented her status among the country’s elite.

     

    Her recent national team stint also coincided with a growing momentum for the program, highlighted by the Philippines’ silver-medal finish in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division B campaign, a milestone she views as part of a larger upward trend for the sport.

     

    Despite her achievements at both collegiate and international levels, Dela Rosa remains grounded in her goal of finishing her UAAP career on her own terms—with a championship.

     

    “Gusto ko na mag-iwan talaga ako ng magandang legacy sa ating team.”

     

    For Ateneo, her return is more than just a roster boost. It is another chance to turn promise into payoff, anchored by a player who has already accomplished much—but still sees her story as unfinished.

     

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  • Kacey Dela Rosa earns CPC citation after breakout year with Gilas Women 

    Kacey Dela Rosa earns CPC citation after breakout year with Gilas Women 

    Kacey Dela Rosa’s collegiate career has already been filled with individual awards and memorable performances, but it was her impact beyond the UAAP that ultimately set her apart this year.

     

    The Ateneo standout will receive a special citation during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics, recognizing a year in which she emerged as one of the most important figures in Philippine women’s basketball.

     

    While many athletes spend their offseason recovering from the grind of collegiate competition, Dela Rosa used hers to help push Gilas Pilipinas to new heights across multiple international tournaments.

     

    The recognition comes after another stellar season with Ateneo, where the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player helped steer the Blue Eagles to a bronze-medal finish in UAAP Season 88. But her biggest accomplishments came after the collegiate campaign ended.

     

    With Gilas Women, Dela Rosa proved she could thrive on bigger stages and under greater responsibility.

     

    Last December, she stepped into a crucial role during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, helping the Philippines reclaim the women’s basketball gold medal. Tasked with anchoring the middle in the absence of longtime national team pillar Jack Animam, Dela Rosa helped keep the Filipinas on top of the regional podium.

     

    Her rise continued at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in France, where the Philippines earned its first-ever victory in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament by defeating Colombia.

     

    Dela Rosa was at the center of that breakthrough, finishing as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder with averages of 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.

     

    Yet her influence extended beyond the traditional five-player game.

     

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    The 6-foot-2 forward became one of the cornerstones of Gilas Women’s 3×3 program during a historic stretch that saw the Philippines establish new milestones in the discipline.

     

    She played a key role in the country’s silver-medal finish at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the best result ever achieved by the Philippine women’s team in the continental tournament. Across five games, she averaged 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds while helping the Filipinas reach the championship round.

     

    That momentum carried over into the World Cup qualifying tournament in Singapore, where Gilas secured another berth in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

     

    Most recently, Dela Rosa was part of the squad that delivered another historic moment in Warsaw, Poland. Alongside Afril Bernardino, Camille Clarin, and Mikka Cacho, she helped the Philippines notch its first-ever victory in the Women’s FIBA 3×3 World Cup with a breakthrough win over Italy.

     

    Those achievements transformed Dela Rosa from a dominant collegiate player into one of the country’s most impactful international performers.

     

    The CPC’s special citation serves as recognition of a year in which she successfully bridged both worlds—continuing to excel in the UAAP while helping Gilas Women rewrite pieces of Philippine basketball history.

     

    Dela Rosa will be honored alongside the best performers from the UAAP and NCAA in basketball, volleyball, and football during the annual awards ceremony at Discovery Suites Manila.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas names Men’s, Women’s rosters for FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

    Gilas Pilipinas names Men’s, Women’s rosters for FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

    Even with the PBA taking a brief pause for Holy Week, a different kind of national duty is about to take center stage.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas has officially named its men’s and women’s rosters for the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, with both squads set to carry the country’s hopes in Singapore as they try to improve on last year’s finish and make a stronger push on the continental stage.

     

    On the men’s side, the Philippines is banking on a group that blends pro-level shotmaking, backcourt creativity, and proven 3×3 familiarity. The quartet is made up of Ralph Cu of Barangay Ginebra, Chris Koon of Magnolia, Jerrick Ahanmisi of Terrafirma, and University of the Philippines big man Sean Alter.

     

    It is a roster that feels deliberately built for the unique demands of 3×3 basketball — fast decisions, open-floor versatility, and the ability to score in bursts. More importantly, all four players already have backgrounds in the format, giving the team a layer of chemistry and instinct that could matter in a compressed international tournament.

     

    Cu brings championship pedigree and familiarity with pressure situations, while Koon adds length and two-way activity from the perimeter. Ahanmisi, meanwhile, arrives as arguably the most explosive offensive weapon in the group, capable of changing games quickly with his shooting and shot creation.

     

    Alter gives the team a different look altogether. At 6-foot-9, the UP standout provides size, rebounding, and interior presence — an especially valuable piece in 3×3, where physicality and quick finishes around the basket often swing close contests.

     

    The men’s squad will be handled by coaches Kirk Collier and Patrick Fran, with the Philippines opening in Qualifying Draw A alongside Maldives and Thailand on April 2. If Gilas advances, it will move into Pool A with Mongolia and Chinese Taipei, both of which are already seeded directly into the main draw.

     

    That means the challenge for the men will begin immediately. There will be little room for slow starts, especially in a format where momentum can swing in a matter of possessions and one cold stretch can end a campaign early.

     

    Still, the roster signals a clear intent from the program: this is not just a participation group. It is a team designed to compete, score, and potentially surprise.

     

    The women’s side, however, may be carrying even more intrigue.

     

    Seeded fifth entering the tournament, Gilas Women will field a lineup of Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, Kacey Dela Rosa, and Cheska Apag — a group that brings together experience, youth, and a growing track record in international 3×3 play. The Philippines is already slotted into Pool D, where it will await the winner of Qualifying Draw D featuring Tonga, Macau, and Maldives, with Australia also seeded in the same group.

     

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    What makes this women’s roster especially compelling is how well its pieces complement one another.

     

    Bernardino remains one of the pillars of Philippine women’s 3×3 basketball, bringing toughness, leadership, and a long history of delivering in FIBA competitions. Cacho adds speed, shotmaking, and familiarity with the international pace of play, while Dela Rosa gives the team length and inside presence that can be difficult for smaller lineups to handle.

     

    Then there is Apag, one of the younger names in the squad but already part of a rising wave in the women’s 3×3 program. Her inclusion reflects the steady pipeline the Philippines has been trying to build — not just for this event, but for the future of the format.

     

    That youth movement has already shown signs of promise. Dela Rosa and Apag were both part of the Philippines’ successful FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Asia-Pacific 1 campaign in Doha, where the women’s program booked a place in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup. The team’s rise also helped push Gilas Women to a historic No. 14 in the world rankings, the highest ever for a Philippine 3×3 national team.

     

    That momentum makes this latest tournament feel bigger than just another Asia Cup appearance.

     

    Last year, Gilas Men finished 15th, while Gilas Women came agonizingly close to the podium before ending up fourth. Those results offered two different realities: one side still searching for a deeper breakthrough, and the other already proving it can contend with some of the best in the region.

     

    Now, both teams return with something to chase.

     

    For the men, it is about proving they can translate talent and pedigree into results in one of basketball’s most unforgiving formats. For the women, it is about taking another step in a program that has steadily become one of the country’s most promising international projects.

     

    And for Gilas as a whole, the message is clear. Even during a league break, national basketball never really stops.

     

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  • Kacey dela Rosa shines as Gilas Pilipinas Women close FIBA World Cup Qualifiers with victory

    Kacey dela Rosa shines as Gilas Pilipinas Women close FIBA World Cup Qualifiers with victory

    Despite falling short of their goal to qualify for the FIBA Women’s World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women ended their campaign on a high note, with Kacey dela Rosa emerging as the driving force behind their final triumph.

     

    The reigning UAAP Women’s Basketball MVP from Ateneo showcased her dominance on the international stage, finishing the tournament with 25 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks. 


    She said facing powerhouse squads helped elevate her game and offered valuable lessons for her growth.

     

    The forward led Gilas Women’s comeback after trailing 40-33 at halftime, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 74-59 victory over Colombia in Lyon-Villeurbanne, closing their FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament campaign on a positive note.


    Dela Rosa got off to a modest start against France with 11 points and added eight points apiece in their matches against Germany and Nigeria. Her highest-scoring game came against South Korea, where she poured in 26 points despite the team’s loss.

     

    “All of the tournaments I’ve played, I take the lesson that I think I can apply and be better and better every tournament,” Dela Rosa said.

     

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    Her consistent scoring helped her finish as the Philippines’ top scorer, averaging 15.6 points per game during the qualifiers. 

     

    Dela Rosa’s leadership and presence on the court became a key factor in Gilas Women’s performance, particularly in high-pressure moments.

     

    Looking ahead, Dela Rosa is focused on refining her game while mentoring younger teammates. 

    Her experience in intense international competition has shaped her into not just a scorer but a reliable anchor for the team in upcoming tournaments such as the William Jones Cup in July and the 20th Asian Games in Japan from 19 September to 4 October.

     

    Despite a challenging run against world-class opponents, the Philippines finished fifth in the standings with a 4–1 record, highlighting how competitive Gilas Women can be on the global stage.

     

    Beyond her statistics, Dela Rosa’s impact in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament caught international attention. 

     

    Her physicality and ability to secure rebounds against taller opponents, and leadership on transition plays became defining strengths for the team. These qualities underscore her evolution into a cornerstone player who will be central to Gilas Women’s future campaigns.

     

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  • FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Gilas Pilipinas Women vs. Colombia — Game Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Gilas Pilipinas Women vs. Colombia — Game Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    Gilas Pilipinas Women will seek redemption against Colombia after South Korea ended their World Cup bid, entering their final game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament still searching for a breakthrough win. With their hopes of advancing officially out of reach, the Filipinas now turn their attention to finishing their campaign on a high note.


    Gilas heads into Tuesday’s matchup with a 0-4 record, highlighted by a difficult 105-74 loss to South Korea that sealed their elimination. Despite the result, the game showcased a bright spot in Kacey Dela Rosa, who delivered an impressive 26-point performance on 10-of-13 shooting, along with nine rebounds and three blocks. Her effort underscored the team’s potential even amid a challenging tournament run.


    “I’ll take the lessons that I learned and apply them for my next games and tournaments,” Dela Rosa said.


    She has not carried the load alone, as veteran guard Janine Pontejos has provided consistent scoring with 12 points per game, while Sumayah Sugapong has contributed 11.3 points per outing. However, team consistency—particularly on defense—has been a recurring issue, with opponents capitalizing on lapses.


    South Korea’s outside shooting proved decisive in their previous game, as Leeseul Kang erupted for 24 points, knocking down eight of her team’s 19 three-pointers in a dominant offensive display.

    Colombia enters the contest in a similar position, also holding a 0-4 record. With both teams eager to avoid a winless exit, the matchup presents a final opportunity for either side to salvage pride. Colombia will lean on Jenifer Muñoz, their leading scorer averaging eight points per game, to guide their offense.


    Match: Gilas Pilipinas Women vs. Colombia
    Event: 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament
    Date & Time: Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. (PHT)
    Venue: Astroballe, Lyon, France


    Head-to-Head Context


    Both teams enter the game without a win in the tournament, making this a crucial battle to avoid finishing at the bottom of the standings. While there is limited recent head-to-head history between the two sides, their identical records set the stage for a tightly contested matchup.


    Key Matchups & Storylines


    Dela Rosa’s Continued Rise: After a breakout performance against South Korea, Dela Rosa will look to anchor Gilas on both ends of the floor.


    Backcourt Leadership: Pontejos and Sugapong must provide stability and scoring to support the offense.


    Defensive Adjustments: Limiting perimeter shooting and tightening rotations will be key after struggles in previous games.


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    Predictions & Betting Odds


    Most sportsbooks and prediction models slightly favor Colombia heading into the matchup:


    Moneyline Odds:


    Colombia has 1.72 as their odds while the Philippines stays at 2.05 (OKBET) indicating a narrow edge for the South American side based on recent form and scoring trends.


    Probability Estimates: 


    Several prediction platforms give Colombia roughly 53% to 57% chance to win, while the Philippines sits at around 43% to 48%, reflecting how closely matched the two winless teams are.

    Given both teams’ 0-4 records and struggles throughout the tournament, this matchup is expected to be tightly contested. 


    Colombia holds a slight statistical advantage, but Gilas Pilipinas Women could tilt the balance if Kacey Dela Rosa continues her strong form and the team improves defensively.


    Predictions & Outlook


    With both teams winless, the game is expected to be closely contested. Gilas Pilipinas Women may hold a slight edge if Dela Rosa maintains her form and the team improves its defensive execution.


    While the stakes no longer include World Cup qualification, the importance of the match remains significant. A victory would provide a morale boost and a positive ending to an otherwise tough campaign.


    What’s at Stake


    For Gilas Pilipinas Women, this final game represents more than just a result—it is a chance to demonstrate growth, resilience, and competitiveness on the international stage. Ending the tournament with a win would offer a valuable confidence boost as the team looks ahead to future competitions.


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  • Korea ends Gilas Women’s World Cup bid despite Kacey Dela Rosa’s breakout performance

    Korea ends Gilas Women’s World Cup bid despite Kacey Dela Rosa’s breakout performance

    The Philippines’ bid to reach the global stage fell short after Gilas Pilipinas Women ran into a red-hot South Korea women’s national basketball team squad that dominated from beyond the arc, claiming a 105–74 victory at the Astroballe in Lyon-Villeurbanne.


    With a ticket to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin on the line, the Koreans relied on relentless perimeter shooting to take control early and never looked back. 

     

    Despite the loss, Kacey Dela Rosa delivered a standout performance for the Philippines.

     

    The multiple-time UAAP MVP finished with 26 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting clip, while also collecting nine rebounds and three blocks.

     

    It marked her best showing yet in a FIBA-sanctioned game, providing a bright spot for the national team in an otherwise difficult outing.

     

    However, South Korea drained 19 three-pointers in the contest, turning what began as a competitive matchup into a showcase of long-range accuracy.

     

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    The victory secured South Korea’s passage to the World Cup with a 3–1 record in Tournament D. Host nation France women’s national basketball team also advanced after improving to 3–0 and was set to face Nigeria women’s national basketball team as of publishing time.

     

    Aside from Dela Rosa’s offensive burst, Janine Pontejos was the only other Gilas player to reach double digits, contributing 13 points. 

     

    Kent Pastrana finished with eight points on 2-of-11 shooting, while Sumayah Sugapong added six points and Afril Bernardino struggled from the field, scoring two points.

     

    Philippines have 74 points with team effort as Dela Rosa delivered 26, whil Pontejos 13, Pastrana 8, Berberabe 7, Sugapong 6, Ozar 4, Dignadice 4, Heyn 2, Surada 2, and Bernardino 2. With Quarterscores, 28-17, 55-33, 80-50, 105-74.

     

    While the result ended the Philippines’ World Cup hopes, Dela Rosa’s performance not only showcased her scoring ability but also her leadership on the court. She consistently looked to create opportunities for her teammates, crashing the boards, contesting shots, and orchestrating plays even under relentless pressure from the Koreans. 

     

    Her poise and confidence highlighted the emerging talent within the program, suggesting that Gilas Pilipinas Women’s future on the international stage remains promising despite the setback.

     

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