FILIPINA baller Vanessa de Jesus was quick to announce her arrival in the US NCAA after steering Duke University to its first win of the season on Thursday morning (Manila time).
As the sole freshman in the team, De Jesus opened her career with an impressive showing for the Blue Devils, garnering a total of 13 points, on 5-of-9 shooting, four assists, and three rebounds.
De Jesus is one of the five players to score double digits for Duke as sophomore Jaida Patrick dominated with a career-high 21 points.
Having waited over a year for her Blue Devils debut, she couldn’t help but be grateful for the good start in her career.
She committed to Duke in May 2019, under former coach Joanna McCallie, who abruptly resigned last July 2020. De Jesus is the only student with prior commitment to Duke who has remained after the then-mentor’s sudden leave.
“It was great to finally get out there with the team and show what we’ve all been working at! It’s always been a dream of mine to play college basketball, and now the moment is finally here, I’m just so grateful, especially with everything that is going on today. The win just putting the icing on top, and I can’t wait for the rest of the season with the team,” she said.
As one of Duke's starters, De Jesus led her team to a strong start when she made 11 of her 13 points early. She made 11 of her 13 points early in the first half to lead Duke to a strong start.
New coach Kara Lawson is clearly impressed with the Filipina’s gallant first game. “She is a talented player. She’s very composed and she’s got a great demeanor for a point guard. She knows our offense like the back of her hand. She knows where everyone’s supposed to be on the court on every play,” Lawson said of de Jesus in an article published by Duke Chronicle.
The 18-year-old Pinay is one of the Gilas Pilipinas Women's prospects eyed by coach Patrick Aquino and staff as a possible addition to the team.
De Jesus has also expressed interest — and is even willing to go through the process — in playing for the country in the past.
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