LA SALLE head coach Ramil de Jesus was straight to the point when talking about National U's prized rookie Sam Cantada.
“Siya, matatawag natin na super rookie,” the Lady Spikers' shot-caller said after their four-set takedown of the two-time defending champion Lady Bulldogs.
READ: La Salle finally proves to be worthy foe for dynastic NU
Cantada made quite the splash in her first two games in the collegiate ranks, delivering a roaring 18.5 points on 15.0 successful attacks and 2.5 aces, as well as 11.5 excellent receptions.
However, her rookie debut went through a speedbump after sustaining a right shin injury in the middle of their third match against the University of the Philippines, slightly derailing her averages.
In their finals rematch against La Salle to end Round 1, though, Cantada was back to showing flashes of what she could become, pouring 13 points on 10 attacks, two blocks, and an ace against.
And according to De Jesus, the 19 year old is only going to get better.
“Bata pa, (pero) very talented. Bukod doon, all-around player. Pwede ngang opposite, outside hitter siya,” he said.
Latest in a line of super rookies
While RDJ wasn't necessarily the first to bestow the 'super rookie' tag upon Cantada, hearing it from the winningest coach in UAAP volleyball just gives it more credence, especially as he mentioned her in the same breath as rookie MVPs Bella Belen and Angel Canino.
As he put it, “Mga ka-level nila Angel noong rookie year, and then sila [Shaina] Nitura and Belen."
At the same time, the longtime La Salle mentor floated an idea of a parallel universe where Cantada was donning the green-and-white - and actually teammates with Canino.
"So swerte ang NU napunta sa kanila, hindi sa amin napunta,” he kidded, with a sly smile.
Seriously, though, Cantada is actually averaging more than Belen - whose spot she inherited in NU - as a rookie with 15.2 points compared to the latter’s 14.5.
And with an entire round of left to play, the league is well aware that she's for real, and she’s only going to get better.
The GOAT said so.
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