Ateneo's Kacey dela Rosa wins back-to-back MVPs in UAAP. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – Individual plums might have been within reach for Ateneo Blue Eagles star Kacey dela Rosa, but she remains hungry for the ultimate prize: a women's basketball championship in the UAAP.
Dela Rosa was officially named UAAP Season 87 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, moments before Game 2 of the Finals matchup between the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses—a series Ateneo is not a part of after absorbing defeat against the Adamson Lady Falcons in the stepladder semifinals.
READ: UAAP: Apag, Etang take charge as Adamson takes down Ateneo, sets up semis clash with UST
While Dela Rosa expressed "happiness" for the individual top award, she remains focused on bringing back the crown to the blue side of Katipunan while stressing that she still has a lot to improve.
She is only the fifth player to win second straight MVP honors in UAAP women's basketball.
"Siyempre ako, super happy po kasi nakuha ko 'yung back-to-back MVP. And siguro, hindi pa rin ako satisfied kasi marami pa akong kulang sa games ko," said Dela Rosa.
READ: UAAP: Ateneo’s Dela Rosa crowned MVP anew, NU’s Pagdulagan is ROY
"Isa lang naman 'yung goal namin nila po coach, 'yung championship na sayang, 'di namin nakuha this year. We'll bounce back next year," the 6-foot junior from Ateneo added.
The Gilas Pilipinas center said she's open to committing to the national team this off-season.
"Open naman ako kung may invite ako ng Gilas [Pilipinas]. More experience din sa akin. Lalo na nakikita niyo, 'yung player ng NU. Parang 6'11, siguro experience pa ng gano'ng kalaban.
READ: La Salle's Kevin Quiambao is UAAP MVP once more
Looking forward to Season 88, Dela Rosa said they will be aiming to reduce errors and improve their decision-making inside the court.
"Sa tingin ko, ang kulang lang namin, 'yung bawasan naman talaga 'yung turnovers. And 'yun nga, sa decision-making din ng teammates. And feel ko naman 'yung sa mga small things lang 'yung kulang namin, 'di naman yung mga major things."
LOOK: Mythical Five members of the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Meanwhile, alongside Dela Rosa, the following were also formally named members of the Mythical Five: University of Santo Tomas’ Kent Pastrana, University of the Philippines’ Louna Ozar, Ateneo's Sarah Makanjuola, and National University's Angel Surada.
Blue Eagles' Junize Calago of Ateneo, who was fourth in the statistical points race, was disqualified from the selection after a suspension in the season.
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Rookie of the Year Cielo Pagdulagan. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Cielo Pagdulagan of National University was also named Season 87 Rookie of the Year.
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