Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BOCAUE, Bulacan—It wasn’t the best of endings for Perlas Pilipinas in the Fiba 3×3 World Cup after it failed to win a single game in four matches, but being first-timers, the players they could be better the next time around.
Center Jack Daniel Animam said the talent is already there, but what the team needs is the support from officials and better exposure to similar leagues like the World Cup.
“I think consistent support is what the sport needs and sports officials in the Philippines could provide leagues like this not just on the 3-on-3 format but also 5-on-5,” said Animam in Filipino Sunday at Philippine Arena.
“I can’t say anything about talent, everyone has it. I know so many people who want to play in a league.”
Perlas finished at the bottom of the standings in the pool stages with a close 21-17 loss to Spain knocking them out of contention.
The Philippines didn’t fare any better in its last game, losing to Hungary, 18-15.
Perlas head coach Patrick Aquino echoed Animam’s sentiments, adding that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas could have sent a women’s basketball team to the 2018 Asian Games in August.
“I think they could just support us, I think we can represent the country at its best all the time,” said Aquino.
Perlas already played in the 2017 Fiba Asia Women’s Cup, on a 5-on-5 format wherein they placed seventh in the eight-team event to retain their slot in Fiba’s Level 1 competitions.
“I don’t know what’s stopping them from supporting us, and these girls are really working hard for it,” added Aquino.