Gilas Women prospect Vanessa De Jesus to play for Duke in NCAA Division I

Another Filipino basketball talent is making waves in the United States, this time on the women's side.

Gilas Women prospect Vanessa De Jesus will play for NCAA Division I powerhouse Duke University, which has produced several WNBA players.

In a press conference with the media on Thursday, the 5-foot-8 point guard from California said she considered several Ivy League schools but ultimately committed to the Blue Devils.

"Duke was one of my dream schools from the beginning so that was a no-brainer for me," she said.

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De Jesus said she began playing basketball at the age of three, thanks to the influence of her mom and dad.

"Growing up I tried all these different kinds of sports," she said. "But then my parents were telling me how big basketball was back home. My dad was playing all the time in the park."

De Jesus, who played for Sierra Canyon in high school, said she is interested in representing the Philippines in international tournaments.

The 18-year-old is currently in the process of acquiring a Philippine passport. While she could no longer suit up as a local in FIBA tournaments, she can still play in 3x3 and non-FIBA competitions like the Southeast Asian Games.

"I think it's amazing just how much all of you guys just know about basketball because it means so much to me," she said. "All my family is from there, so having support back home I should say, is really nice." —MGP, GMA News