Gilas Women’s Kacey Dela Rosa eager to shine in FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup

Kacey Dela Rosa and the Gilas Pilipinas Women Under-23 3×3 squad are determined to make their mark when they compete in the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Xiong An, China next month.

The two-time UAAP MVP will bring valuable experience from the Pilipinas United 3×3 League, where she helped Gilas reach the semifinals at Ayala Malls Manila Bay alongside Elaine Etang, Cheska Apag, and Tin Cayabyab.

Despite entering the World Cup as the 16th seed, Dela Rosa believes their recent stint will pay off.

“Siguro, ‘yung lessons na nakuha namin in this tournament, for sure, dadalin namin ‘yun sa World Cup,” said Dela Rosa. “For sure, super makakahelp siya sa amin.”

The Ateneo standout faced tough battles inside the paint, often knocked down by bigger opponents as she tried to impose her presence near the basket.

Going up against teams from Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore gave her a clear view of where she needs to grow.

FOR FLAG AND COUNTRY!

Kacey Dela Rosa and the Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 3×3 team hope to represent the country with pride as they gear up for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in China next month.#GilasPilipinashttps://t.co/JAbGw233vR pic.twitter.com/eZBg2qsCsd

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 27, 2025

“First, siguro, [gusto ko matutunan sa mga kalaban ko] ‘yung gaano sila kabilis mag-adjust and kung paano nila mabilis mag-next play kasi ‘yun ‘yung parang nahihirapan ako matutunan,” she admitted.

“Parang, ‘pag nagkamali ako, parang iisipin ko muna siya. Anyway, matutunan ko rin naman sila and yung executions nila,” she added.

Gilas nearly reached the finals of their latest tournament but suffered a heartbreaking 9-11 semifinal loss to Japan’s Maurice Lacroix, who advanced on a buzzer-beating two-pointer.

With the lessons learned and a month to prepare, Dela Rosa is eager to lead Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 in their World Cup debut and prove they belong on the global stage.

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