THE Philippine national women’s team finished its campaign in the just-concluded FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 with a 0-4 record but not after making a gallant stand, particularly in its last two assignments, which it hopes opened eyes for people to give women’s basketball a chance in the country.
Up against some of the top teams in 3×3 in the world, the Perlas Pilipinas squad of Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos and Gemma Miranda, and coached by Patrick Aquino, showed a lot of heart and determination every time it stepped on the court, earning praises and respect not only from fans but from the competition as well along the way.
But the Philippine women’s team recognized that it is still steps behind the rest of the world as far as women’s basketball in general but it remains bullish of making further progress more so if given ample support and belief.
“That (support) is what we are longing for, not only from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas but from other people and groups as well. After college maybe we can have a sponsor to help these players and have semi-professional league for everybody and that will be the first step in competing at this kind of level,” said Mr. Aquino during the 3×3 World Cup that happened at the Philippine Arena from June 8 to 12.
“Give women’s basketball a chance in the country. These girls are working hard and they try to prove themselves. And I know they can be in this level [of play] in the future,” he added.
And such proving their worth mind-set is underscored by Ms. Animam, a University Athletic Association of the Philippines standout who hopes they as players be given the same attention and help that their male counterparts get.
“Women’s basketball is not given exposure here right now, which is why we are using this tournament (3×3 World Cup) as an opportunity to show that it should not only be men’s basketball but women’s as well be given the support. We are playing for the country, too, and I hope people get to see that,” the National University player said.
In the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018, the Philippine women’s team finished at 17th place in the 20-team field.
It played four games, losing to the Netherlands, 21-11, and Germany, 12-10, in their first two outings.
The team then played Spain and Hungary and was competitive losing, 21-17 and 18-15, respectively.
But its campaign had a winning finish after Ms. Pontejos topped the Shootout Contest to give the Philippines its first-ever gold medal in seniors’ play of the 3×3 World Cup. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
