With just 1:18 left in Gilas Women’s game against Chinese-Taipei in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, Jack Animam could not hold back her tears, weeping on the hardcourt of the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.
Vanessa De Jesus, the latest addition to the Philippine pool, had just knocked down a dagger floater off of an Animam rebound.
It gave Gilas an 86-76 lead that paved the way for a 92-81 victory.
Heading into the contest, Animam had played in 12 Asia Cup games. During that time, Gilas Women’s sole wins came were at the death — the relegation matches.
It was lucky no. 13 for the Bulacan-native as the win not only gave Gilas their first-ever group stage win but also assured their stay in Division A for the next cycle.
(C) FIBA.basketball
“It was really special. All the things we’ve been through. Being here in FIBA Asia, people always have something to say. This win is a testament of this program and everybody behind — the sacrifices that we players had and the work that we put into this. This win is just the icing on the cake,” said Animam, who produced 16 points on a perfect 8-of-8 clip with 15 rebounds.
“I think, we played not just for ourselves, knowing that we have a huge responsibility for the women’s basketball community in the Philippines. This is just the start of greater things for the program.”
The last two Asia Cups have been pivotal for the Gilas Women program.
In the last edition of the continental meet, Animam was not able to play as she was still recovering from an ACL tear she sustained in Serbia.
Still, Gilas Women managed to stay in the top tier.
This time around, former youth players like Louna Ozar and Ella Fajardo needed to come off age to match the intensity of their ‘ates.’
Seeing the team fight tooth and nail against a highly-favored Chinese-Taipei team inspired Animam, who is not only trying to prove that Gilas belongs but also is trying to prove to herself that she still got it.
“Actually, I’m just so happy. Personally, I’m just happy. Even with one minute and eighteen seconds left, I was crying because this game means so much to everybody especially myself,” she said.
“Coming off an ACL injury, this is like my redemption year. I don’t know if I will be the same Jack as before and to get this win… I don’t know. This means so much not just for us but also back home.”
Patrick Aquino, who has been both the head coach and a father-figure to Animam, could not help but be proud of his ward.
After all, he was there all throughout the recovery process of his “daughter.”
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“I can’t say it enough already. This girl is my leader, we’ve been through a lot,” said an overjoyed Aquino.
But the job is not yet done.
The Philippines is just one win away from reaching a place they’ve never reached before — the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
