Aquino banks on ‘triple threat’
Gilas Pilipinas Women squad will have a "triple threat" when it sees action in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup from 26 June to 2 July at the Sydney Olympic Park in Australia.
Gilas coach Patrick Aquino said the troika of Khate Castillo, Ella Fajardo and Jack Animam is tipped to carry the torch following a strong performance in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh last month.
Castillo and Fajardo have raised their level of game as they provided spark off the bench when mainstays Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino were sputtering.
A University of Perpetual Help star and a playground legend in Las Piñas City, Castollo rose to prominence when she played for Gilas Pilipinas in major international competitions.
The United States-raised Fajardo, on the other hand, brought her entertaining brand of basketball and brilliant playmaking to the SEA Games that allowed Gilas belles to claim the silver medal.
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"They were very aggressive and they're learning to take on the challenges," said Aquino, who is also thrilled to have a healthy Animam in the roster.
One of the longest-tenured players in the Gilas program, Animam rose from the ranks from being a reserve player in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore to becoming the biggest star.
She was the cornerstone of the team that won back-to-back gold medals — one in 3×3 and the other in 5-on-5 — when Manila hosted the Games in 2019.
She, however, was not around last year as she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Upon recovery, she brought her talent to Europe as she suited up for Toulouse Metropole Basket in France.
"It's beyond winning and losing," Animam said.
"What people see are the wins and losses, but what they don't see are the sacrifices being made by each member of the squad just to achieve our goal and become the best representative that we can be for the country."
Aquino said he was impressed by Animam's determination.
"She did exceed my expectations, knowing that she's still feeling her way around, but yet she was able to hold her own in the SEA Games. She will play a valuable role in the coming FIBA Asia Cup," Aquino said.
