Adamson continues to build on Shaina Nitura’s greatness

MANILA, Philippines – Last season, Adamson unearthed a star in Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura. Now, the Lady Falcons want her brilliance to translate into wins.

To make that happen, Adamson must build around Nitura, a task far easier said than done.

“The number one thing for us is the relationship of the players and how they play as one,” Adamson head coach JP Yude said in Filipino. “We have a goal, but of course, everyone has to be included in that goal.”

Adamson rolls back much of last season’s core, with Fhei Sagaysay, Frances Mordi, and Abigail Segui backing up Nitura.

Nitura shattered various individual UAAP records in Season 87, including the most points scored in a single game with 38 and the most points scored in a season across all divisions with 371.

She also had six 30-point outings, another UAAP record, to highlight her rookie season.

Her astounding run elevated the Lady Falcons to fifth place last year with a 6-8 record. However, they were three wins behind the fourth-placed FEU Tamaraws.

That impressive UAAP start earned Nitura a spot in the Alas Pilipinas national team, where she played in international competitions alongside PVL veterans and UAAP stars.

For Yude, Nitura’s role now goes beyond scoring as she must also step up as the Lady Falcons’ leader.

“The maturity, especially considering her experience, but I hope she will be more eager in terms of leadership to elevate her game,” Yude said.

“Of course, she’s still young, she’s in her second year… Everything is still work in progress for her.”

The Lady Falcons last reached the Final Four in Season 85, back when Trisha Tubu anchored the squad.

In hopes of turning its fortunes around, Adamson kept busy in the offseason, winning the V-League and placing fourth in the Shakey’s Super League, while Nitura also saw action in the UAAP beach volleyball tournament before her Southeast Asian Games stint.

Yude wants clear growth in Season 88, even with the steep challenge posed by defending champion NU and perennial Final Four contenders La Salle, UST, and FEU.

“It’s easy to win and it’s easy to work when everyone wants to put in the work,” he said. – Rappler.com