Asia Cup work ain’t finished yet for Animam, Gilas Women

By Peter Atencio

JACK Animam was in tears after the Philippines reached the qualification round for the semifinal stage of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Center on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old, 6’5” center of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Team did not expect that she would go this far with her teammates in this tournament, which will not only crown the champions of Asia/Oceania region, but serve as a qualifier for four deserving teams to the 2024 Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Beating Chinese Taipei, 92-81, for its only win in three matches in Pool B moved Team Philippines a win shy of earning a slot the Olympic qualifiers.

Animam’s and the rest of the team’s work, however, isn’t finished yet as the Filipinas will clash with New Zealand at 3 p.m. Friday (Manila time) to shoot for a semis seat. The 6’5” Animam felt that she was able to contribute to the team with her 16 points and 15 rebounds in that game.

“I’m just happy. Personally, even with