Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Camille Claro admits being teary-eyed as Gilas dream comes true


When Camille Claro played her final game for the De La Salle University Lady Archers last November, she was laser-focused on one goal.

She did not want to practice her AB Sports Studies degree just yet.

“Sana maging part ako ng Perlas. Magtra-tryout ako for coach Pat [Aquino],” she said.

For the last eight months, the 5-foot-1 guard religiously attended each session of the national team. She also made sure that she was in game-shape, playing for the Paranaque Aces in the WNBL.

Last week, Aquino made his announcement of the 12 players he will take to Taiwan for the 2019 William Jones Cup.

And Claro was one of the final 12.

“Actually nung una, ‘di ako makapaniwala. After an hour pa nag-sink in sa’kin na isasama ako ni Coach Pat sa Jones Cup,” shared the 23-year-old.

“Super saya ko. Na-teary-eyed pa nga ako nung sinabi sa’kin ni Coach Pat yun.”

Though Claro does not have the height nor the bulk of her other teammates, she shared that it was her hard work and dedication that made Aquino pick her.

“I just played my game and gave my one-hundred percent effort every practice.”

One of the veterans that guided her during the sessions was Afril Bernardino, whom Claro said is the “best women’s basketball player in the country.”

And after years of playing against Bernardino during their time in the UAAP, Claro can’t wait to play alongside her.

“Excited ako maging kakampi siya kasi super idol ko siya.”

Come the Jones Cup, Claro plans to use to gain more experience as this tournament will serve as Aquino’s gauge on who to bring to the 2019 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.

#ReadMore  EJ Obiena equals PH indoor record in third place finish in Sweden

Moreover, the former youth team member can’t wait to finally don the national team colors once again.

“Kasi yun nga… Sabi ko nga doon sa last game ko sa La Salle, gusto ko makapasok sa National Team if may chance. So ito na yun, dream ko din talaga makapasok sa National Team and to play for my country again,” she said.

“And sabi ko sa sarili ko nung nalaman ko na kasama ako, ‘Ito na yung chance na hinihiling ko. Bibigay ko lahat to help my team.'”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s campaign in the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament ended on a sour note as they suffered a heavy 87-62...

Basketball

Coming off a valiant 74-77 loss to world No. 8 Brazil, Gilas Pilipinas Women were dealt a harsh defeat 24 hours later. The Philippines...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Women suffered a heartbreaking loss in their opening game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Pre-qualifiers. The Philippines endured a narrow...

Basketball

The numbers did not fall in favor of Gilas Pilipinas Women. The Philippines not only fell to host Chinese-Taipei Blue, 66-82, but also fell...

Basketball

Jack Animam and Afril Bernardo shone brightly in Gilas Pilipinas’ 68-58 win over Thailand, leading the way to a rebound win with just a...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s rally fell short, resulting in an 83-85 defeat at the hands of Japan’s Universiade team on Monday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Women bounced back in the 2024 William Jones Cup, securing a 73-63 win over Harimau Malaysia on Sunday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium. Coming...

Basketball

Naomi Panganiban’s debut with Gilas Pilipinas Women was spoiled by Chinese-Taipei B, who secured a 73-60 victory to kick off the 43rd William Jones...

Advertisement