NOT once has Bella Belen dipped below the 20-point mark in the first four games of her sophomore conference with Capital1.
Fresh off a joint career-high 29-point explosion against Choco Mucho on Tuesday, the 23-year-old star is now averaging 26.5 points per game and has amassed a league-best 106 markers so far.
READ: Bella Belen's career night leads Capital1 past Choco Mucho
But beyond her established scoring prowess, Belen’s leadership, especially for a relatively new player in the squad, continues to cement her status as one of the finest players of her generation.
Her vocal presence, something she honed during her decorated and multi-titled UAAP career, has quickly translated to the pro ranks.
Barely half a year into her PVL stint, Belen has learned to assert herself more deliberately on the floor, an attribute she now considers one of her most valuable strengths.
“‘Yung mga past experiences ko, na-sheshare ko na with the team. Hindi naman porket bago ako sa Capital1, hindi ko kakayaning mag-lead,” Belen stated.
“Hindi porket captain ka or player ka lang, hindi ka na mag-lead kasi ngayon, hindi na ako nahihiyang magsabi kung ano ‘yung napapansin ko sa game, kung ano ‘yung pwede naming maging adjustment kahit ongoing ‘yung game.”
Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, who previously handled Belen in the national team, also looks beyond her consistent scoring output.
For the Brazilian mentor, what sets Belen apart is her infectious attitude both in training and in games that has began fostering a winning culture within the team.
“She’ll contribute with the points but also with the attitude inside the training, and this spreads to everyone inside. That’s a winning culture that you have there,” said de Brito.
“Right now, I think she’s doing step by step. We didn’t agree to put too much pressure for that to perform because she’s doing good. This is just her second conference and she already has a lot of confidence.
"She's preparing to be the best one here."
Far from her ceiling
Even with a resume stacked with championships and MVP honors from the juniors ranks to the collegiate level, Belen, one of the youngest recipients of the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Ms. Volleyball award, knows that her best is far from realized.
The National University legend believes her trademark warrior spirit will continue to fuel her growth as she navigates the early stages of her pro career.
“Lagi kong iniisip na hindi pa ito ‘yung best ko kapag naglalaro kami,” she said.
“Every time na nakikita ko ‘yung output ko, ‘yung output ng team, alam kong meron pa kong mas kayang gawin.
“Medyo bagets pa naman ako so I think may kaya pa kong ma-improve.”
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