The 5-foot-8 fil-am guard, together with Jaida Patrick, paced the Blue Devils as it edged Longwood 94-64 during the 2020-21 season opener.

Her efficient 5-of-9 shooting from the field notched her 13 points during the game. In addition, she collected 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 blocked shot in 30 minutes of court action.

The Fil-am cager became the first Blue Devil to score 13 or more when starting their first career game since Rebecca Greenwell who totaled 17 at Alabama in 2014.

Moreover, De Jesus became the first Blue Devil to start at guard during their first game since Mikayla Boycin in 2017.

“It was great to just finally get out there with the team and show what we’ve all been working at! It’s always been a dream of mine to play college basketball, and now the moment is finally here, I’m just so grateful especially with everything that is going on today,” said De Jesus. 

“The win just putting the icing on top, and I can’t wait for the rest of the season with the team,” she added.

Patrick, who led the Blue Devils scoring with 21 points, praised the Filipina baller for her performance.

“With a player like Vanessa, she is great at reading the open look and is great at realizing what is the best thing to do in that instance,” said the Duke sophomore.

“I’m really excited to see what she’s going to do this year,” she added.

The 18-year-old Filipina is being eyed by Coach Patrick Aquino as one of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s prospects.

De Jesus had expressed her interest in playing as part of the women’s national basketball team in the past.