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.
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.'”
