MANILA -- Gilas Pilipinas center Jack Animam is proud of the lone victory that they earned in the recently-concluded FIBA Women's Asia Cup.
A tough 73-70 win against Lebanon in the group stage ensured that the Gilas Women will stay in Division A of FIBA Asia -- and clinched their spot in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup qualifiers.
"This one win means a lot. It carries a heavy weight especially this is the first time time na we have a chance, you know, to maybe make our debut in World Cup," Animam said on Friday, at the sidelines of NBA star Ja Morant's "Make Them Watch" exhibition game.
READ: Gilas Women escape Lebanon in thriller, book World Cup Qualifiers ticket
READ: Hard work in past 10 years fueled Gilas Women's success in Asia Cup, says Aquino
The Gilas Women team captain commended the young squad that fought hard in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup.
"Bata talaga. But that you know I think just goes to show how resilient we are as an athlete. Especially Filipina athlete na kahit sino man ang nasa harap walang aatrasan and laban talaga. And that's what we showed," she said.
Aside from booking a ticket to the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, Gilas Women also retained its spot in the elite Division A of FIBA Asia.
Animam relished the chance to play for Team Barangay during the exhibition game in front of Morant. But she was not the only female hooper in the mix, Marga Jimenez of De La Salle Zobel also suited up in the match.
The five-time UAAP champion was so happy to see more female athletes at the event of the NBA All-Star at The Courtyard in Bonifacio Global City.
"For me personally, makita yung ganito karaming babae during this event, sobrang happy. Yun nga nung bata walang ganito at unti-unti meron na," she said.
"We're a basketball crazed country. So dapat lang yung mga basketball star dito pumunta and the kids can see kasi representation matters. To see these girls play, hindi lang basta laro talagang may skills and talent, just wow," Animam shared.
When asked about what lessons Pinay hoopers can learn from Morant's NBA journey, she said it's about determination.
"Nobody said it's gonna be easy but you have to continue. To continue working and keep going and keep the faith. Kasi at the end of the day, darating yung one day mo na you're gonna be on the spotlight," Animam said.