BELLA Belen already has her fair share of success in the collegiate ranks in four UAAP seasons with National U - and that's actually an understatement.
MVP, Rookie of the Year, and champion. Silver medalist. MVP and champion again.
And this is just the continuation of her standout stint in high school where she also won multiple championships and individual awards.
All of this could have turned out differently, however, if not for one fateful late night text.
Before the 22 year old ace decided to don the blue-and-gold in the seniors division, she was leaning towards joining Adamson.
“Nung tinanggap ako sa NU noong nag-tryout ako. Kasi kung hindi, for sure, nasa Adamson ako ngayon,” Belen answered when SPIN.ph asked about her luckiest moment in life.
Interestingly enough, she bared this alternate history following the Lady Bulldogs' triumph over the Lady Falcons in UAAP Season 87 where she talied nine points and 12 digs.
READ: NU stays spotless ahead of finals rematch with UST
In that parallel universe, she would’ve been among Adamson super rookie Shaina Nitura’s seniors in the ongoing tournament, just like many of her former NUNS teammates.
“‘Yung mga teammates ko before, sa Adamson sila napunta (for college) nu’ng high school kami,” Belen said.
The colors of National U
Thankfully for the faithful over at Jhocson, they got to keep their generational talent, who was already mulling a move to San Marcelino.
Through a message that came at around midnight from former NU head coach Babes Castillo, Belen’s waiting game ended with the reassurance that there’s a place for her with the Lady Bulldogs.
“While waiting for the confirmation ng coach ng NU, si coach Babes, kung nakuha ako o hindi, yun yung second option ko (na mag-Adamson),” Belen said.
“Thankful ako na nakuha ako (ng NU) kasi midnight na sila nag-text na pasok ako.”
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