Animam: It’s always great to play for national team

MANILA, Philippines — Skipper Jack Animam reassured her commitment and availability for Gilas Pilipinas Women’s in its bid for a rousing comeback this year after the 2020 lull due to the pandemic.

“I would still be available for Gilas. I cannot wait to put on my Philippine jersey again soon,” the ex-National U stalwart told The STAR. “The feeling that I get every time I play for the Philippines will never change. It’s like always my first time.”

Flying the flag high in Taiwan, the 6-foot-5 Animam has anchored Shih Hsin University to a 7-0 start behind double-double norms of 15.9 points and 11.3 rebounds on top of 2.4 steals and 2.3 blocks.

The same game is expected from the former UAAP MVP after her Taiwan stint and once Gilas returns to action in what could be a busy 2021 grind including the FIBA 3X3 and the Vietnam SEA Games.

Animam last donned national colors in the 2019 SEAG here, leading the Gilas belles to a historic twin-championship in the traditional 5-on-5 and the first-ever 3x3 basketball.