Though Stefanie Berberabe’s spot on the Gilas Pilipinas squad is not yet secured, the Filipino-American dribbler is exploring the possibility of playing collegiate hoops as well even for one season.
“I am looking to playing in a one-and-done deal in the UAAP (Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines),” Berberabe told Daily Tribune.
She hasn’t decided which school she will join but Berberabe swears representing the country is tops on her priority list.
A few weeks ago, Berberabe played a crucial role in Gilas’ runner-up finish in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh.
A product of Westmont College in Sta. Barbara, California, she was discovered while playing for the Fil-Am nation, a group tasked to help out the Gilas women’s program in its recruitment of under-16 promising players who are willing to play for the Philippines.
As Berberabe begin her hunt for a UAAP school, the case is not the same with Louna Ozar, who has French lineage.
Ozar has agreed to play for the University of the Philippines.
Berberabe is one of those fighting for spots in the coming FIBA Women’s Asia Cup slated 26 June to 2 July in Sydney, Australia.
To boost her chances of being taken in, Berberabe is doubling her effort during workouts.
“There’s so much competition (in practices),” Berberabe said. “There’s so many talented girls here, so it’s fun and competing for spots in the final roster, but ultimately, we’re on the same page of trying to share the same goal.”
The Philippines is bracketed in a tougher group alongside host team Australia, Japan and Chinese Taipei.
