BJ Villarin was one of few NU-Nazareth School players who didn’t move up to the NU women’s team, but rather transferred to La Salle for UAAP Season 88.
BJ Villarin is forging a new path in her basketball career, transferring from the NU high school program to DLSU for UAAP Season 88 in women's basketball.
After playing a powerhouse program during her high school career, Villarin now enters uncharted territory and will be a key piece to the rebuilding Lady Archers.
With former ace Luisa San Juan turning professional, Villarin will be heavily leaned upon in a young DLSU squad as the Lady Archers hope to spark their return to the Final Four for the first time since UAAP Season 85, when they made it all the way to the Finals.
The DLSU Lady Archers will be leaning on BJ Villarin’s skills and experience as she aids a rebuilding team in UAAP Season 88. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
“I think for me, growth lang [hinahanap ko]. I just wanted to try out a different path,” Villarin told One Sports.
“Since my dad din po is an alumni for La Salle. I said maybe I’ll follow his steps.”
Rookie with experience
Despite her relative inexperience in the seniors tournament, Villarin will be joining La Salle with national team stints under her belt during her youth days.
Having come from a successful Lady Bullpups, Villarin has gotten used to more winning than most rookies.
As she eases into whatever role she needs to play for head coach Cholo Villanueva, Villarin said that she is simply eager to give her all.
“Actually, just work hard lang po, and give it my all. In my rookie year, I want to make a mark. A mark for my team and myself also,” she said.
More than her skills, Villarin said that she will also be able to offer a unique take on things from her experience on the other side of the fence.
With La Salle and NU forging fierce battles in the past, Villarin offers a different view on things that can possibly enrich her team.
“For me siguro, my role is someone who can bring something new to the team. Fresh perspective and syempre, coming from a championship team din, hopefully, I’m able to inspire my teammates to have that championship mindset as well,” she said.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.