SHENZHEN (China) - For Kacey Dela Rosa, the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 has been a journey of growth, resilience and emerging confidence. Making her debut in this Asia Cup for the Philippines after playing in last year’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Rwanda, Dela Rosa struggled early in the tournament.
However, on Day 4, the 21-year-old finally broke through with a strong performance against Lebanon. Her 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block in that critical win helped the Gilas Women keep their place in Division A, advance to the Qualification to Semi-Finals and enter the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments for the first time ever.
"I was just looking at her (Dela Rosa) the whole time, and I'm like, wow, this is Kacey. She’s got so much potential," said veteran teammate Jack Animam, who sees Dela Rosa as an heir apparent and a future cornerstone of the team. "If she continues to play like how she played today, and if she continues to play with the national team, I think the sky is the limit for her. I hope that she's realizing it. I hope she's ready to embrace it."
Dela Rosa’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by the young squad.
Guard Vanessa De Jesus also praised Dela Rosa's impact alongside fellow newcomer Sumayah Sugapong.
"We have all the confidence in them (Dela Rosa and Sugapong)," De Jesus said. "Every day, they work hard and show us what they’re capable of. They stepped up on the big stage, and we’re going to need that going forward."
For Dela Rosa, learning from the veterans and embracing her role has been key.
"I am super happy because I’m with the veterans of the team. I’m learning a lot on and off the court," she said, attributing her growth to self-belief. "My mindset is I won’t back down against anyone. I’m confident in myself and how I can compete. It all starts with confidence. Without it, where would I get my strength?"
The stakes are high for this young center and the Gilas Women’s program as a whole. Reaching the Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments marks a truly historic achievement.
"As a young player, playing against top teams in the world is invaluable. I want to improve and grow with every game," she added.
With her newfound rhythm and fierce determination, Kacey Dela Rosa truly looks the part of Animam's heir apparent, ready to lead the next wave of Gilas Women.
FIBA