Ahead of the 2019 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women are already at a huge disadvantage for the group stages.
Without the 6-foot-4 Clare Castro, the Philippines’ average height dropped to just 5-foot-7. On the other hand, China’s is 6-foot-2, Australia’s is 6-foot-1, and New Zealand’s is 6-foot.
And it made a huge difference according to Gilas stalwart Jack Animam.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam yung experience. Nandun na tayo eh. It’s just that malalaki sila.
“Hindi excuse yung height eh, pero malalaki lang talaga sila. Sobrang laking factor talaga na matatangkad sila. Tapos may pro leagues sila na nandun yung best-of-the-best nila tapos tayo, tayo-tayo lang din. Kailangan pa natin i-step up talaga yung level of competition natin,” shared the 20-year-old National University super senior.
During the group stages, the Filipinas lost badly, falling by an average margin of 43.67 points per game.
But with their backs against the wall, Animam and Gilas made sure to keep their promise of remaining in Division I. The Philippines blasted India, 92-78, to keep their spot.
Promise fulfilled indeed.
“Siyempre sobrang saya. Sabi ko bago kami umalis, iki-keep namin yung Division I status. Rare lang kasi ito eh. ‘Pag bumaba tayo sa Division II, two to four years na naman yung hihintayin mo bago ka maka-akyat,” expressed Animam, who averaged 4.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game during the continental meet.
“Sinabi talaga namin na kailangan ma-keep namin yung status natin.”
Having seen the competition, Animam hopes that there will be more improvements in the women’s basketball program of the country. As she said, skills and experience will always trump height.
“Oo kasi makikita naman sa game namin na nandun naman kami eh. Kailangan lang ng more exposure at more time together. One day, nandun na rin tayo sa level nila.”
