The Las Vegas Aces are in the midst of another successful season, having already secured a playoff berth as they seek to win a second consecutive (and fourth overall) WNBA championship.

One of the more unheralded names on the roster of basketball superstars is that of Yamamoto Mai, who has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to her diminutive stature (5-foot-4), contagious energy, and unique, almost two-handed shooting stroke.

The 26-year-old is enjoying her rookie season in the league, having made an impression in a preseason exhibition when she led Japan to a 94-78 win over the Aces, scoring a game-high 24 points on the back of seven three-pointers.

Making history in Warsaw

The Asia Cup run was followed by qualification for the World Cup — the Philippines’ first appearance since going winless as hosts in 2018 — and the team arrived in Warsaw as heavy underdogs in Pool C, which included Latvia, Paris 2024 Olympic champions Germany, People’s Republic of China, and Italy.

Defeats in their opening three games left one final chance to make a statement, and Dela Rosa, Afril Bernardino, Camille Clarin, and Mikka Cacho seized it, toppling Italy for a landmark first win at the sport’s showpiece event.

For Dela Rosa, the result is another sign of momentum building back home.

“It’s getting big because they’re opening a lot of leagues for 3×3 in the Philippines now, women’s basketball especially,” she said. “I’m very happy that I’m a big part of it right now, and I want to be an inspiration to the other kids. I’m really happy and excited for the kids who want to play in the future.”