Romwel Anzures

Vanessa De Jesus in action for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup DIvision A. File Photo from FIBA.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750856762784IMG_7236.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Vanessa De Jesus in action for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup DIvision A. File Photo from FIBA."/>Vanessa De Jesus in action for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup DIvision A. File Photo from FIBA. MANILA — Vanessa De Jesus is set to make her return to Gilas Pilipinas for their upcoming tournaments in the coming months.</div>The Filipino-American playmaker confirmed on Tuesday evening that she will be playing for the Philippines anew after two years, and this is to boost the Gilas women&#x27;s hopes of making their first-ever Women’s World Cup appearance.“I’m very motivated, that’s the number one thing in my mind, but I’ll just take it one game at a time,” said the 5-foot-9 guard during an online press conference on Tuesday evening.“We have a great team, and to be able to make history and represent the Philippines is huge for me,” she added.The incoming guard of Notre Dame in the US NCAA is expected to join the likes of Jack Animam, Ella Fajardo, Kent Pastrana, and Khate Castillo in the Nationals’ 2025 William Jones Cup and the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.And with the experience that De Jesus has gained over the recent years, more particularly with Duke University, she is confident of doing even better in her second stint as Gilas’ naturalized ace.“I’ve grown into my relentlessness, and just the urgency of time and present,” said De Jesus, who scattered 12.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in five games in the 2023 Asia Cup Division A.“For me, we’ve really grown as a program; both myself and the Philippine team,” she added.Gilas previously ranked sixth after their 2023 stint in Australia, but this does not hinder De Jesus’ optimism of what they can achieve against the continent’s best.“Now is the time to show it and not wait for the future,” she emphasized. “So for me, it’s coming in with the mentality of being able to compete now. We have the group, we just have to lock in and buy in together, and be focused on giving it our all.”Aside from the on-court success that she is eyeing for the squad, what De Jesus is relishing more is the chance to don the country’s colors again.“It means everything to me,” she expressed. “My family is a huge part of me, and it’s a huge part of why I play basketball. To be able to represent them on the international level is very important to me.”“I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I hope that I’ll be able to continue giving back to my family and my culture,” she added.

Vanessa De Jesus is set to make her return to Gilas Pilipinas for their upcoming tournaments in the coming months

Vanessa De Jesus is set to make her return to Gilas Pilipinas for their upcoming tournaments in the coming months

FIBA: De Jesus on repping roots anew in Asia Cup — ‘It means everything to me’

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FIBA: De Jesus on repping roots anew in Asia Cup — ‘It means everything to me’

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jun 25, 2025 09:57 PM PHT

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2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup

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