Long-time De La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus sees a lot of potential in Adamson super rookie Shaina Nitura.

The veteran tactician, who has mentored the likes of Cha Cruz, Michelle Gumabao, Aby Maraño, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Kim Dy, Ara Galang, Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron, to name a few, knew Nitura is bringing in a huge promise after a couple of scintillating performances in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament.

“‘Yong bata, bata (Nitura) pa talaga pero grabe na maglaro… grabe ‘yong court IQ niya sobrang taas,” said De Jesus after the Lady Spikers secured a bounce back 25-21, 26-24, 25-20 win over the Lady Falcons Saturday, Feb. 22, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

“At the same time ‘yong leadership nya…,” he added. “Siguro pagdating nya ng sophomore or junior year nito, ibang klase na ‘tong bata na ‘to.”

Prior to her 16-point display versus DLSU, the 20-year-old Nitura made a statement in her collegiate debut after dropping a 33-point output to carry Adamson in their thrilling five-set duel against the undermanned Ateneo Lady Eagles, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12.

Angel Canino, a standout rookie herself in the past, was also impressed by Nitura’s performance, acknowledging that the entire squad had prepared well for their matchup.

“Actually, pinahirapan nya po kami sa preparation palang. Sabi nga ni coach Ramil maraming variations talaga as a player,” said Canino, who finished with 15 points off 14 attacks and one block.

“And sobrang tapang ni Nitura, na kahit sinong i-harap mo kaya nyang gawan ng paraan, so I think pinahirapan nya rin kami. Isa din talaga sya sa pinaghandaan namin coming to this game,” she added.

Canino also tipped her hat to Nitura’s courage and stressed that the latter played like she wasn’t a freshman.

“And sobrang bilib ako sa kanya kasi antapang nya humarap kahit kanino, parang pag tiningnan mo sya parang ‘di sya rookie,” she continued.