Duke star guard eyed as future Gilas belles anchor

MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team is hoping to secure the commitment of Duke point guard Vanessa de Jesus to be part of its future core.

Program director and head coach Pat Aquino is scheduled to talk to the 18-year-old Filipina teen sensation during the former’s two-month scouting trip in the United States.

“Vanessa will be big for our program with the kind of caliber she has. She will uplift our level again. She will be the future of Gilas women’s,” Aquino told The STAR of the first Asian player to suit up for powerhouse Duke program.

Born to Filipino parents, the California-based De Jesus has taken the US NCAA by storm in her debut as Duke’s starting point guard with averages of 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

The 5-foot-8 De Jesus is one of many prospects Aquino is looking to add to the rising Gilas squad in preparation for the return of international events this year, including the FIBA 3x3 and the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games.

The others worth looking at are Kayla Padilla of University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington’s Mai-Loni Henson, George Washington’s Aurea Gingras and 12-year-old Sofia Dignadice, daughter of former national and PBA player Yves.

Aquino will stay in the US until next month to scout for more Filipina talents as the Nationals – bannered by Jack Animam, Kelli Hayes, Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino – seek a roaring 2021 comeback after a quiet 2020 campaign.

Gilas reached new heights late in 2019 with a double-gold performance in the SEA Games, and by staying in the elite Division A of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. The team also put up gallant stands in the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament and Women’s Jones Cup.