[ad_1]
Gilas’ female prospect, De Jesus, shines in US NCAA debut with Duke University
Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) – November 26, 2020 – 10:14 am
MANILA, Philippines – Filipina Duke freshman Vanessa de Jesus made her presence felt in her first game with the Blue Devils on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time).
Beginning in his NCAA USA debut, De Jesus finished with 13 stellar points, four assists, three rebounds and a block against Longwood in Duke’s 94-64 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Newly hired Blue Devil head coach Kara Lawson, who served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics before heading to Duke, started De Jesus in her first game.
The Filipina became the first Duke freshman to start guard in her first game since Mikayla Boykin in 2017.
Additionally, her 13 points, which came from an efficient 4-of-6 shooting from the field, were the most by a freshman to start in her first game since Rebecca Greenwell had 17 points against Alabama in 2014.
Duke sophomore Jaida Patrick, who led the Blue Devils in scoring against Longwood with 21 points, praised the Filipino player.
“With a player like Vanessa, she’s great at reading the open appearance and she’s great at figuring out what’s the best thing to do in that case,” Patrick said.
“I am very excited to see what he will do this year.”
[ad_2]
