Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—After helping the Philippines sweep the first day of 3×3 women’s basketball competitions in the Southeast Asian Games, Jack Animam believes Gilas Pilipinas Women are primed for the gold medal.
Gilas walloped Myanmar then, overcame tough challenges from Malaysia and Indonesia for a 3-0 record that gave Animam plenty of reasons to think the team is undoubtedly capable of going all the way.
“For me, I’m already claiming it. We’re already No. 1 and we’re going to win the gold tomorrow (Monday),” Animam, the former UAAP MVP out of National University, told reporters in Filipino after Gilas topped Indonesia, 16-13. “Just keep on supporting us and keep praying for us to really get it (gold medal).”
But make no mistake, Animam was neither cocky nor was she belittling the rest of the field.
The 6-foot-2 forward’s bold statement stemmed from her confidence and faith in her teammates Clare Castro, Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino, all of whom put the work in night in and night out to prepare for moments such as the SEA Games.
“All our hard work and sacrifices everyday are starting to bear fruit. Hopefully, tomorrow we get to end our campaign nicely.”
Gilas Women shoot for a semifinals slot against Vietnam Monday, 9:20 a.m., then, takes on Thailand later in the day.