Jack Animam has weathered her share of highs and lows in her ongoing quest to uplift the native girls’s basketball scene.
As she continues that mission, she additionally attracts energy from a mantra by NBA star Ja Morant that resonates deeply: “No person mentioned it’s gonna be simple.”
Morant made his first visit to the Philippines last Friday as a part of his “Make Them Watch” tour, giving gamers like Jack Animam a uncommon alternative to showcase their recreation in entrance of the Memphis guard.
“The lesson is that no one mentioned it’s gonna be simple however you need to proceed working and preserve going and preserve the religion,” Animam instructed the media after the exhibition recreation.
“…as a result of darating ‘yung at some point mo na you’re gonna be within the highlight. All of the lights are gonna be on you and that simply exhibits Ja Morant’s journey.”
For Animam, Morant’s journey is one which extends past private inspiration, saying it echoes the aspirations of many within the basketball group, together with these of the Gilas Pilipinas Ladies.
The youth-laden Filipinas are coming off a gallant stand on the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
Gilas stored its Division A standing after pulling off a slim 73-70 win in opposition to Lebanon with Animam becoming a member of forces with younger weapons Naomi Panganiban, Sumayah Sugapong, Kacey Dela Rosa, and Kent Pastrana.
“Hindi medyo, bata talaga. However I believe that simply exhibits how resilient we’re, us athletes, particularly Filipina athletes,” Animam added.
“Kahit na kung sinuman ang nasa harap, walang aatrasan ‘yan. Laban talaga ‘yan and I believe that’s what we confirmed.”
Animam additionally hopes to see extra worldwide basketball stars have interaction with the native scene, particularly with the Philippines being some of the passionate basketball nations on the planet.
“Personally, makita ‘yung ganitong karaming babae to hitch on this occasion, sobrnag pleased. We’re a basketball-crazy nation so dapat lang ‘yung mga basketball stars dito pumunta,” Animam mentioned.
“And the youngsters can see kasi illustration issues and to see these women play, and hindi lang basta maglaro kasi talagang could expertise at expertise, simply wow. Superb.”
—JKC, GMA Built-in Information