Team captain Kemi Adeshina says that winning mentality is the game-changer for the Adamson Lady Falcons in UAAP Season 87.
The Adamson Lady Falcons are looking like a different team this UAAP Season 87 as they have emerged as legitimate title contenders, finishing the first round with a strong 5-2 slate.
After missing out on the Final Four in back-to-back seasons, the ladies from San Marcelino have surprised the rest of the field with their competitiveness this year.
Led by Adamson product Ryan Monteclaro as head coach, the Lady Falcons are in prime position to make a deep run in the tournament long ruled by the likes of the NU Lady Bulldogs and the current reigning champions UST.
[RELATED: Can the Adamson Lady Falcons overcome powerhouses NU and UST in UAAP Season 87?]
The difference in Adamson’s demeanor and performance in Season 87, at least according to skipper Kemi Adeshina, is brought about by the team’s renewed vigor to win.
Coming from two seasons where they had sub-par performances, she said that the Lady Falcons are tired of observing the championship battle from the outside looking in.
“It’s determination. The team is determined to win,” said Adeshina, after taking a victory over the UE Lady Warriors over the weekend to cap the first round.
“Kasi we always [say] bawi, bawi, bawi. Last year marami [kaming] bawi. Then this year, walang bawi na. This is it now. Laban lang… it’s the determination.”
Adeshina has been one of the key players for Monteclaro, as she serves as the team’s captain. She is the only foreign student-athlete in the tournament that is her squad’s skipper.
But the Nigerian center said that it was no problem for her to take on the role as she also shares the responsibility with the rest of the team.
“My teammates are good listeners. I really enjoy being their team captain,” said Adeshina, who also won a Mythical Five citation back in Season 85.
“Everybody, we work together as one. So there’s no difference — whether you’re captain or something, we work together.”
As the Lady Falcons get ready to face the rest of UAAP Season 87 together, Adeshina hopes that they continue to band together to take Adamson over the hump.
The Lady Falcons last won the UAAP championship back in UAAP Season 73.
“I’m super proud. I’m excited how my teammates respond to everything, each game. I’m really so proud, I’m happy and we’ll keep getting better na lang for the second round,” she said.
The second round of the women’s basketball tournament commences this weekend.