Women's basketball standout Kacey dela Rosa. Handout
MANILA — Amid a tougher competition in the fourth season of Manila Hustle 3x3, Kacey dela Rosa is seeking to improve herself as she gets another chance to represent the flag.
Dela Rosa, also Season 1's MVP, will lead the Gilas Suns in a 16-team field, which includes four other local squads.
READ: PH Teams seek greater glory in Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 4
She admitted "nerves" and pressure mounting, but stressed that her focus is on what she could absorb from the 3x3 hoops tournament.
"I saw nga 'yung 16 teams na lalaban — kinakabahan pero at the same time, super excited sa experience. Dagdag learnings pa rin 'yon for me and 'yan 'yung [way] for me to improve myself," the Ateneo product told a handful of reporters.
READ: Winner of Manila Hustle 3x3 to qualify for Shanghai leg of FIBA Women's Series
Dela Rosa said representing the Philippines on the international level makes her eager, taking pride in every chance she gets.
"Ako, super eager naman ako lagi 'pag alam kong 'yung Pilipinas 'yung nire-represent ko," she said. "Gusto ko lagi nananalo."
Dela Rosa and the Pinoy teams will enter the tournament with the task of defending home turf and reclaiming the Manila Hustle 3x3 crown for the Philippines.
The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the FIBA Women's Series Shanghai Stop on May 16 and 17.
Leading the visiting teams is defending back-to-back champion Zoos Tokyo of Japan.