By MARK REY MONTEJO
Vanessa de Jesus formally announced on Tuesday, June 13 (Manila time) via Zoom her commitment to play for the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s basketball team for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup this month.
The Duke standout said she was thrilled to be given the opportunity to represent the country of her parents.
The 21-year-old Filipina guard also mentioned during the interview by Duke Women’s Basketball Facebook Live that she’s more than willing to train and work double time in her preparation to play for Gilas.
The 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup will be held in Sydney, Australia from June 26 to July 2.
“Two of the most important things in my life are family and basketball. And since I was a kid I understood this, growing up my family has been a huge part of who I am. I’m super close with my family,”
“Having an opportunity to represent both on [a] national level, all I’m just excited about. I’m looking forward to going as [a] leader and as a player, competing in the global stage,” she added.
De Jesus started her stellar career with the Sierra Canyon High School and made history as the first Asian to play under the renowned Duke Blue Devils Women’s basketball program.
The Fil-Am dribbler was born and raised in Valencia, California but her father, Philip, is from Pangasinan, and mother, Maria, is from the famed Boracay in Malay, Aklan.
De Jesus and her Gilas teammates are facing the daunting task of advancing to the next round as they are bracketed with defending champion Japan, Chinese Taipei and host Australia in Group B.
