Women’s basketball players all over the country received ecstatic news with the announcement that they have a new home.
Last Wednesday, the Women’s National Basketball League officially received professional status from none other than the Games and Amusement Board.
“Today is a special day for all our homegrown players. Today is the day for women’s players who have been dreaming of playing in a professional women’s league,” said NBL executive vice president Rhose Montreal.
“Basketball is not just only for males. The NBL is also advocating gender equality. If there is a men’s league, there is also for women,” added GAB chairman Baham Mitra.
Having a pro league for women’s basketball has long been a dream for Jack Animam, the current face of the sport.
The 21-year-old, 6-foot-5 center can’t help but cry tears of joy for her friends, rivals, and teammates.
“Masaya siyempre. Kasi finally may women’s pro na sa basketball,” said the PSA’s first-ever Ms. Basketball awardee.
“Ang tagal natin inantay ‘to!”
After serving five golden years in NU, Animam was fortunate to receive a chance to play for Shih Hsin University in the upcoming 2020 season of the University Basketball Association.
But not many are as fortunate as her.
Many of her opponents and teammates alike would leave the sport after college.
With the WNBL, they now have a chance to continue to do what they do best — play basketball.
For her part, Animam can’t wait to join them once she finishes her journey with SHU.
“Oo naman!”
