As one of the most accomplished student-athletes to come from the UAAP, it is easy to say that Jack Animam has nothing left to prove at the collegiate level.
However, there are times when unexpected opportunities arise and, just like she has demonstrated throughout her playing career, the 23-year-old Bulacan native grabbed one with both hands.
Leveraging her experience as a champion inside and outside the UAAP, Animam was a TV analyst for the Far Eastern University versus University of the East and National University versus University of the Philippines games in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“Masaya! Never in my wildest dreams na one day mag-a-analyst ako. Dati ina-idol ko si ate Bea (Daez), ate Danica (Jose). Akala ko sila lang, ganun,” said the 30th Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.
“Pero masaya siya. Medyo kinakabahan pero magaling din si Diego (Dario). Naging comfortable na ako tapos wala lang. Parang lang akong nanonood ng game but I have to make comments and analyze what they’re doing. Kwento-kwento ganun.”
Just like anyone new to a job, Animam had some growing pains during her first live game. Like any athlete though, she quickly adjusted to her new surroundings.
The Gilas standout was visibly excited throughout both matches and she found the experience of calling the games on the sidelines very fulfilling.
“For two games, nakakapanibago kase nag-chi-cheer (ako)! Hindi ako makapag-cheer! Constrained na constrained ako. Ano tayo dito, pigil na pigil so composure pero ang saya niya,” the young Bulacan-native said.
“Definitely a new experience for me. First analyst thing and I hope exceeded their expectations.”
As a player, Animam is used to crashing the boards and scoring inside the paint. As a commentator, she had to compliment the commentary of her partner Dario.
Without a doubt, working in the broadcast side of the game has enriched her connection to it and she hopes to do so again sooner rather than later while she is yet to sign with a professional club abroad.
“Iba yung as a player ka sa spectator ka. Grabe ang dami mong nakikita na hindi ko nakita nung naglalaro ako,” said the NU alumna, who is a former league MVP.
“Mas lalawak yung understanding mo pa for the game kasi nakikita mo na ganito pala pag nanonood ka lang. Ang saya! Ang saya niya!”
