'Never in my wildest dreams': Nolasco blessed as Gilas journey takes her places

BENGALURU (India) - Camille Nolasco can't help but turn sentimental over how fruitful this year has been for her and her young career.

"Never in my wildest dreams would I be able to play for both the U16 and U18. It is always an honor and a privilege to play for the national team," - Dianne Camille Nolasco

In just a span of four months, the 17-year-old saw herself travelling to different places overseas all thanks to basketball -- quite a journey for someone who began playing the game with her siblings when she was much younger.

"I started playing basketball when I was little. All I remember was when my two older brothers were lining up to shoot, I’d always be the last person standing and waiting for my turn," Nolasco recalled.

"Who would’ve thought," added the 1.60 M (5'3") guard with much wonder, "that a little girl from Quezon City would make it this far?"

That measure of globetrotting began when she was called up to represent the Philippines for the FIBA U16 Women's Asian Championship in Jordan last June, where they bagged home the bronze medal in Division B.

A couple of months later, an opportunity of a lifetime came her way as she was invited to join the Basketball Without Borders Asia camp in Australia.

"The experience I had last August for BWB Asia camp was like none else," Nolasco shared. "The weather was different from where I was, new drills, new plays.. Everything was new to me but made me stronger and wiser."

"Being in that camp helped me to be more diverse, Sharing and being able to communicate with different players and or nationalities, sharing our love for basketball by playing and giving our best on and off the court."

Now, Nolasco is back in action for the national team as she's part of the Gilas Women competing in U18 Women's Asian Championships in India. The hits, indeed, keep on coming for the heady floor general.

"Never in my wildest dreams would I be able to play for both the U16 and U18. It is always an honor and a privilege to play for the national team," she said.

"I have always dreamed of playing and representing our country since I was little, and here I am now owing it all to my younger self and aiming to make our country proud," added the potential Philippine team cornerstone.

By making a nation proud is to garner as many wins as they can, and give themselves a chance of being promoted to Division A by the end of the tilt.

 
Definitely, Nolasco and her U16 teammates in Kristan Yumul and BJ Villarin are out to do just that after falling short of achieving that same goal in Amman.

Proof of that determination was seen on Monday night, when Gilas Women beat Thailand, 65-50, for a successful start into the tournament.

Nolasco made her presence felt in the win with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and an assist as she helped spark her side's fourth quarter breakaway.

"All I expect for the FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship is that it will be a very fun ride. Being able to execute all our efforts on court, being able to show our best as we play our hearts out and striving to win is our goal," she said.

"Nothing more, nothing less," added Nolasco. "I can’t say our chances but we came here ready to win. We will play as a team, and with our puso on the court, hoping that it will bring out our A-game for this event."

FIBA