Jack Animam has had a hot start in the 2021-22 First Women’s Basketball League of Serbia season.
In Ranicki’s first two games, the 6-foot-3 native of Bulacan has been averaging 24.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per contest.
And even Gilas Women and National University head coach Patrick Aquino felt surprised that Animam did not need to break in to her team.
“It’s amazing what she’s doing right now,” he said during Tuesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Forum San Miguel Corporation (SMC), MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, Daily Tribune, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). “I didn’t expect that she’ll play like this right from the beginning.
“But that’s Jack. We all know that when she plays, she really gives it her all. I’m just happy for her and she should keep it up.”
Animam is using this stint in Serbia as a way to collect film in hopes of one day playing in the world’s top-tier leagues, headlined by the Women’s National Basketball Association.
Photo from Jack Animam
But even if she is finding success overseas, the 22-year-old always makes sure to call back home and seek advice from her second dad in Aquino.
“Every time that she calls, though, I’m not congratulating her. Instead, I would scold her about the things that she still needs to improve on,” quipped Aquino.
“I always tell her to, ‘Do more and don’t expect to be satisfied by your game. Learn from it and then do more things that can help you level up and flourish.'”
