De Jesus embraces Gilas leadership role

Gilas Pilipinas playmaker Vanessa de Jesus is ready to lead Gilas Pilipinas Women following its impressive performance in the FIBA Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China last week.

The 23-year-old De Jesus, a former Duke University standout, gained more confidence after averaging 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists per game to lead the national squad to a 1-4 record in the prestigious continental tournament.

With that, the Filipinas were able to secure a spot in the qualifying tournament of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

"Being a point guard, being a leader — it starts from the top. I have confidence in my game,” De Jesus said.

“I work every day with this team and with that, I just believe in myself. All the trust my teammates have in me also gives me confidence.”

De Jesus’ addition did wonders for the national squad that was missing the services of veterans Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos as well as Andrea Tongco and Chack Cabinbin, who didn’t make the cut for the final roster.

Although they wrapped up the tourney with a 71-104 loss to powerhouse South Korea in the playoff round, it was still a mission accomplished for the Filipinas as they qualified in the World Cup qualifiers while avoiding getting relegated to the Division II of the continental tourney.

Gilas Women head coach Pat Aquino liked what he saw with De Jesus and expects her to be one of the pillars together with veterans Jack Animam, Ella Fajardo and Khate Castillo in the years to come.