Jack Animam set to play with Japan’s Denso Iris

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Jack Animam continues to pave the way for Filipina basketball aspirants after earning another international Asian import stint.

After becoming the first Filipina to play professionally in Europe in August 2021, the Gilas Pilipinas women’s national basketball team staple is set to make waves in Japan after signing with basketball club Denso Iris.

Tagged as the most decorated hooper of this generation, Animam’s new international stint is still part of her advocacy for showing that Filipinas can compete and grow outside the Philippine basketball landscape.

The dominant center is coming off a FIBA Women’s Asia Cup stint two months ago and didn’t disappoint, averaging 10.4 points, 2.8 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks during the tournament.

Before accepting the contract with Denso, Animam last rendered her services to FCC UAV Arad, a basketball club based in Romania’s Liga Națională.

Animam continued to provide steadiness underneath the post, as well as her underrated post-up game, despite holding a significant height disadvantage against her towering opponents.

The former National University (NU) gem boosted her import stock four years ago after surprising the First Women’s Basketball League in Serbia.

Despite playing in her first international pro game, Animam capped off the season like a veteran, leading ZKK Radnicki Kragujevac to an impressive season.

Her magical stint in Serbia earned her more opportunities overseas when she was contacted by several scouts from France, China, Australia, and Romania.

Although Animam carries a hectic schedule touring overseas, the five-time UAAP champion remains committed to playing for the Gilas national team and hasn’t missed a FIBA-sanctioned tournament this year.