Filipina basketball player Jack Animam is hopeful that her upcoming campaign for Serbian team Radnički Kragujevac in the First Women’s Basketball League would help pave the way for her to get a shot at the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Although the 22-year old already has a decorated career filled with accolades in the UAAP and the University Basketball Alliance in Taiwan, she still lacks the resume needed to turn heads of WNBA scouts, said Animam’s adviser, Imani McGee-Stafford.
“One of the hardest parts in getting to the WNBA is having quality film against other quality players, especially when coming out of college from a different country,” shared McGee-Stafford during the virtual press conference on Monday night.
McGee-Stafford is a 6-foot-7 center who currently plays for the Perth Lynx in Australia’s WNBL. She played college basketball for the University of Texas in the NCAA and was drafted 10th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2016 WNBA Draft. She has also played for Atlanta and Dallas before continuing her career overseas.
“Being able to get that film will definitely help her career,” McGee-Stafford furthered. “Jack’s ultimate goal is the WNBA and this is definitely a stepping stone. Being able to get that film will definitely help her career.”
Animam has been hard at work over the last three months, working out with East West Private and coach Dante Harlan to improve her game.
“When I was doing workouts here, we really worked hard with my midrange shot and my ball handling,” Animam shared.
EWP CEO Patty Scott, though, emphasized that Animam’s focus at the moment is to help Radnički Kragujevac.
“One step at a time right? Right now Jack’s focus is Serbia,” said Scott. “What dream wouldn’t be out there for the WNBA? But her focus right now is 100-percent Serbia.” (JNP)