Basketball star Jack Animam has become the very first homegrown Filipino to play in Europe after she signed on to play for Serbian club Radnički Kragujevac.
The 6-foot-2 forward made the announcement in an online press conference on Monday night.
“I’m just so happy and proud that I got this far. It’s so overwhelming right now and I’m just super excited,” said Animam. “I can’t wait to go out there and play with them.“
Animam’s sojourn to Serbia is the next step of what has been a decorated career for the 22-year old that saw her win every imaginable accolade in the UAAP, including five championships for the National University Lady Bulldogs. She was also the UAAP’s Rookie of the Year, season MVP and finals MVP. She has also bagged two gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games women’s basketball tournament.
SBP Gilas Women’s program director Patrick Aquino said that he’s hoping this move paves the way for more Filipina basketball players to pursue their hoop dreams overseas.
“We hope that she succeeds and many will follow her in the future,” said Aquino.
Radnički’s women’s basketball team competes in Serbia’s top-tier league, the First Women’s Basketball League of Serbia. The squad’s head coach is Nenad Milovanović and the team is looking to improve on its 7-15(win-loss) slate last season. (JNP)