Animam: ''I told myself this was going to be the biggest game of my life in the Pilipinas jersey''

SYDNEY (Australia) - Jack Animam made a promise to herself before the crunch third day of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 and in keeping it, she delivered one of the greatest ever nights for Gilas Pilipinas Women.

With two defeats in the opening two days and most talking about a likely relegation battle with Lebanon lying in wait, the forward had other ideas as they entered their third Group phase game with Chinese Taipei.

In fact, she probably went above and beyond with a staggering display as the Philippines reached the Qualification For The Semi-Finals and made it a case of mission complete in securing their survival in Division A for 2025.

Animam never missed a shot and went 8 of 8 on her way to a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds in the brilliant 92-81 victory.

She stated that "Going into this game I told myself this was going to be the biggest game of my life in the Pilipinas jersey.

"I really wanted to win this game for my teammates and for the coach. This is also my first double-double at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup, but I would not be able to do it without the trust of my teammates."

"BASKETBALL IN THE PHILIPPINES IS RISING AND IT'S NOT JUST FOR US... WE PLAY OUR BEST TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THAT NEXT GENERATION." - Jack Animam

Animam was not alone in her heroics, with Afril Bernardino brilliant in adding 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. Meanwhile, the addition of  Vanessa De Jesus really has been a difference-maker, with the Duke baller harvesting a tournament-high 25 points. 

"The addition of Vanessa has kind of given us some breathing space," mused Bernardino.

"It feels like we really got some help and she is a really good point guard. Her basketball IQ is at the highest level and we're just so happy and it's thanks to her for helping us.

"This win really means so much. I don't think everyone understands the depth of meaning in it. Being here with this program, I have seen it from ground zero."

The landmark win fueled by Animam's mesmerizing performance also holds wider significance for basketball in the Philippines as a whole.

She stressed: "With the FIBA Basketball World Cup taking place soon and with the Philippines as one of the co-hosts. I think this gives everyone back home an extra boost of morale."

"PHILIPPINES WOMEN'S BASKETBALL IS NOT A PUSHOVER ANY MORE." - Jack Animam

"From winning Division B and playing in Division A for the first time and now winning a game in the Group Phase. Then also now not just playing to avoid relegation and I can't even remember that last time we beat Chinese Taipei." 

"Basketball in the Philippines is rising and it's not just for us, but it is also for the next generation. We play our best to pave the way for the next generation.

"Philippines women's basketball is not a pushover anymore. We are going to do what it takes from now on," concluded Animam.

FIBA