Ella Fajardo has already represented Gilas in two competitions.
Back in 2019, the then-16 year old wiz played in the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup and the Asia Cup.
Two years later, she gets to don the Philippines’ blue and white once more. But this time around, Fajardo gets to do so with the seniors team as she was one of 12 players called up for the 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup later this month.
And it’s a dream come true for her.
“It’s such a surreal moment,” she expressed during an episode of The Game. “It’s always been a dream of mine since the sixth grade.”
During her time with Gilas 3×3, she would watch on the sidelines as the 5-on-5 team trained for that year’s Asia Cup. Now, she gets to be a part of it.
Photo from FIBA.basketball
“I never expected that it would be this soon that Coach Pat [Aquino] had to trust me to be on the team with my ates,” she said.
“I’ve looked up to them my whole life and I’ve watched every single game of theirs.”
Much growth was experienced by Fajardo since then.
During her senior year in Gill St. Bernard’s School, Fajardo led the school to the championship, which helped land her a scholarship in D1 school Fairleigh Dickinson.
Well, she also grew at least a couple of inches as well.
Besides showcasing the growth in her game, Fajardo looks to prove that she belongs in Gilas Women come the Asia Cup.
“To be representing my country and playing alongside them is a dream come true.”
