The Philippines has not qualified for the Olympic basketball tournament since 1972. The inclusion of 3x3 or what used to be known as street basketball in the 2020 Tokyo Games gives the country two chances – perhaps three – to make it back onto that global stage. The dark horse to achieve that feat is the women’s squad competing with the top 20 teams in the world in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in two weeks. Gemma Miranda is one of those courageous ladies who know they’re underdogs.
“It’s a big advantage to have the FIBA 3x3 here in the Philippines,” said the multi-titled former National University Lady Bulldog. “It is such a happy feeling to play in our home court, and I know many Filipinos will support us.”
Basketball was a family passion in Gemma’s household in Pampanga, Davao City. Her father passed away when she was in high school, and it was her mother’s small sari-sari store that sustained the family. The seeds of the game were given to her by her older brother, whom she tried to emulate.
“I just learned from my older brother how to hold the ball, dribble and shoot because he was a player in their school when he was still studying,” the 5’8” forward recalls. “I also watched PBA and NBA, and of course I also love basketball and my determination to learn, because if you really don’t love something, you won’t learn it. And there’s a court near our house, so I just kept playing and playing, until I was surprised that I learned and started joining leagues in our barangay and was able to play in high school.”
That opportunity led to exposure at the Palarong Pambansa, where Miranda was recruited by NU. It was her dream to play in Manila. With her and Afril Bernardino, championship and MVP awards became commonplace. The Lady Bulldogs were a powerhouse. This, in turn, led to a chance to play on the national team.
“I’m so happy and blessed and lucky because, of all the many, many good players, I am one who will play for the country,” she says. “It is such a great feeling to represent and fight for your country. I don’t know how I can thank God enough for the chance to play for our country.”
And all these gifts were born from the advice her brother gave her years ago, advice that still guides her today.
“He advised me that if I love it and want to be a basketball player, I have to focus and be willing to learn,” Gemma remembers. “Soon I started to try out at Assumption College of Davao and they gave me a scholarship. That’s where I got my wish to play in the inter-collegiate and thank God we won a championship, and my dream boomed and I got to go to Manila.”
Even though everybody talks about the men’s team composed of four solidly talented PBA players, Gemma believes anything is possible for the women’s squad. They’re used to the anonymity and being the underdog. But they’re also used to one more thing: winning. And she feels the World Cup will be no exception.
“We will win. That is what I’ve etched in my mind and my heart,” she declares confidently. “We were chosen to win. And I believe we have had sufficient preparation with the help of our coaches and our bosses. This is a big battle for the Philippines and we will be able to do it by working together, love for our country, and most important of all, through God’s grace.”
I wouldn’t bet against them.