DUKE senior Vanessa de Jesus will not be suiting up for the Blue Devils in the upcoming NCAA season due to a knee injury.
De Jesus, who played for the Philippine team in the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup earlier this year, announced on social media that she will sit out the 2023-24 campaign because of an injury she sustained in practice.
Gilas Women Fil-Am guard injured
De Jesus did not share details of the severity of her injury but is likely to also miss upcoming Gilas Pilipinas women tournaments.
She averaged 12.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for the Philippines in the Asian meet.
“A short time ago, I suffered a knee injury during practice that will keep me out for the upcoming season,” the Fil-Am guard wrote on Instagram.

“It still feels unreal how things can change so suddenly. It has been hard to digest especially with what I thought this year would hold and all the work I’ve put in to this point,” she added.
In the 2022-23 campaign, she played in 32 games, and made one start, averaging five points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists for Coach Kara Lawson’s Blue Devils.
See Jordan Clarkson also out of Gilas squad in China tourney
De Jesus is looking to make the most of her time away from the game.
“However, as I continue to work through this, it has given me time to reflect on my journey and how much basketball means to me,” said de Jesus.
“I have trust in the process and will keep my head up, not letting these circumstances keep me down or alter the dream. This is just another trial I must go through, that I’ll learn from and come back even stronger.”
De Jesus’ Gilas Women teammates shared messages of support on her post.
“Sending prayers your way Vanessa, you got this!” wrote Camille Clarin.
“Call me whenever. Love you V!” added Sofia Roman.
“I love you V!” said Ella Fajardo.
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