The fanfare surrounding lady hoopers in Asia has been at an all-time high. Of course, all the credit goes to the players, who continue to break barriers and make believers out of skeptics.
They are true hardwood heroes.
Now, to honor some of the best female cagers in Asia this year, FIBA is letting the people decide who stood out the most.
From elite scorers to defensive pillars to clutch performers, the candidates for FIBA Asia Women's Player of the Year via fan vote were narrowed down to eight, including Gilas Pilipinas Women star Jack Animam.
In the first round, she faced off against Indonesia’s Kim Pierre Louis. The pride of Malolos, Bulacan got the votes and advanced to the semifinals.
Now, Animam is up against 6-foot-9 Chinese center Han Xu.
Before playing in the Women’s Chinese Basketball League, Animam had been terrific for Gilas Pilipinas Women all year, routinely posting double-doubles and anchoring the team's defense with great vigor.
In the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup last June, the 6-foot-5 center posted 16 points and 15 rebounds to help the Philippines pull off a historic win versus Chinese Taipei. She averaged 10.0 markers and 9.6 boards in the tournament.
Xu, on the other hand, normed 22.0 points and 11.8 rebounds in the same tournament, which China topped with a 5-0 record.
The other side of the semifinals of the fan vote features Lebanon’s Rebecca Akl versus Li Meng of China.
Animam posted the link to the fan vote on her Instagram Story on Tuesday to urge Filipinos to cast ballots for her.
Just to be clear, this fan vote is not an official award from FIBA. It is created solely to enhance the experience for fans in showing their support for their favorite players.
Still, it's a huge one, especially since Animam and her fellow candidates always play their hearts out for the fans.
(PM)