Gilas Women stalwart Jack Animam raved about the chance to bring the Philippines to the FIBA Women's World Cup.
For the longest time, Jack Animam has been one of the pillars of women’s basketball in the Philippines.
Now, fresh from rallying Gilas Pilipinas Women against tougher and more experienced opponents in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, Animam has the chance to bring the national team to the next level of international basketball.
Thanks to a sixth place finish at the Women’s Asia Cup, the Gilas Women are heading into the qualifiers of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany, breaking new ground in the Philippines' rising women's game.
Coming off of a campaign where they nabbed a big win over Lebanon to stay in FIBA Asia's Division A, Animam said that they carry the victory with their head held high.
“This one win means a lot. It carries a heavy weight especially this is the first time na we have a chance to maybe make our debut in the World Cup. To have that win and finally, you know, Philippine women’s basketball in the World Cup is in the same sentence,” said Animam.
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While unlocking a new stage is already impressive, making the feat even more awe-inspiring is that Gilas Women were able to do it with a relatively youthful roster, setting the stage for future success.
Save for Animam and Khate Castillo, the Gilas team that made waves in Shenzhen was largely young — spearheaded by Fil-Am Notre Dame guard Vanessa de Jesus and other collegiate stars like UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa.
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Going toe to toe with Asia’s best, including a close call against world no. 9 Japan, all signs point to Gilas Women being in good hands as far as Animam is concerned.
“Hindi medyo, bata talaga. But, you know, I think that goes to show how resilient we are as an athlete. Especially, Filipina athlete na kahit sino man yung nasa harap, walang aatrasan yan,” said Animam.
“Laban talaga yan, and I think that’s what we showed,” she added.