BANGKOK (Thailand) - We've all seen cool and unique names emblazoned on jerseys countless times in the past, and the ongoing FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2026-Division B competitions has its very own.
By now, fans and observers alike have taken notice of Indonesia's talented hooper in Praisey Blessed, who's one of the reasons behind what has been a solid campaign so far for the squad from the South East.
So, what's with the name?
"Blessed means [a lot] in the Bible. My mom gave me Praisey Blessed because she wants me to be a blessing for myself and for other people," explained the winger, who made her Timnas debut in the SEABA Qualifiers.
When I play for the national team, I want to carry 'BLESSED' on my back.
She's indeed been carrying as much proudly, all while turning heads - not with her name alone, but through her on-court exploits that have helped Team Indonesia seal their place in the Final Phase that starts today.
Blessed averaged 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 4.0 steals in the Group Phase, highlighted by a 20-6-5 showing in their 93-42 drubbing of Thailand in a battle between SEABA contenders last Tuesday.
"I want my team to do a great job, and play the way they want to play; play with our identity because I feel like we can do this in Division B," said Blessed, who attends and plays for BPK Penabur Cirebon in the DBL.
That mentality and the skill she possesses would surely be appreciated wherever, and it should no longer come as a surprise where she's been honing all of that to be the best she could - it all started at home, actually.
Blessed comes from a family that lives and breathes basketball.
Her mother is none other than Liana Rosmasari, who's been one revered figure in the Indonesian basketball landscape as she suited up for the women's national team in the past and is now in coaching.
So, she's been mentoring Blessey and her son, Miracle Christiano, who played for Indonesia in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 in Mongolia, where they gave the Philippines and Chinese Taipei the fits in the Group Phase.
Definitely, there's no shortage of support in their household.
"It's so interesting. And it makes me so happy because I have them support me," expressed Blessed. "Like, whenever I make wrong decisions in basketball, they can give me motivation and ample advice."
Now, she wants to make them proud by making a name for herself, and that's by helping Indonesia carry out their mission here in Bangkok: to secure the coveted promotion to Division A of the biennial youth contest.
"I believe in my team, I believe in my coach. We can do this. But we will take it step by step," said Blessed. "I know it's hard, but I know we can do it."
FIBA