Filipino women’s basketball talent continues to shine in the US as Gilas Women’s Vanessa de Jesus is set to debut in the US NCAA Division 1 for Duke University. 

Born to Filipino parents and raised in California, De Jesus is now taking her pre-med course while training for the upcoming season as a freshman in Duke. 

“I just can’t wait to play in the gym with my team because of how historic it has been and all the craziest games that have been played there and the moments – I just want to be a part of that,” said De Jesus in an online press conference with Philippine media on Thursday, September 17. 

Duke has produced successful WNBA players over the years like Tricia Liston, who won the 2015 WNBA title with the Minnesota Lynx, and Los Angeles Sparks’ Alana Beard and Chelsea Gray, who copped the 2016 WNBA championship together. 

Duke Blue Devils legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie also became one of De Jesus’ coaches in her young career. 

Gilas Women head coach Patrick Aquino believes that De Jesus’ inclusion in a top division 1 team is a breakthrough for Filipina ballers both in the US and in the country. 

“With this opportunity that Vanessa has already, it will open the line for other Filipino girls to play abroad and the States,” said Aquino. 

Last July, fellow Gilas Women standout Ella Fajardo also committed to US NCAA Division 1 team Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Knights. 

In order to represent the Philippines, the 18-year-old court general is in the process of acquiring her Filipino passport. According to FIBA rules, though, she can only join the FIBA 3×3 tournaments, the William Jones Cup, Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games without being listed as a naturalized player. 

“It’s really exciting, I think it’s is amazing just how much you guys all love basketball because it means so much to me. And then just having that support, like my family’s from there, it’s just really nice to think of,” said the 5-foot-8 De Jesus about her upcoming Gilas Women debut.  

“And always having that in the back of my mind, especially like during these hard times – getting started in a new school – I’m really excited and grateful.” 

The US NCAA is slated to begin its season in November, which will take place in a bubble in Florida. – Rappler.com