The Final Score: Cassandra Naidas' journey from basketball to Binibining Pilipinas

This is a first. I’m writing a column about basketball and a beauty pageant. For Binibining Pilipinas candidate Cassandra Naidas, our conversation is likewise a first. No one else has led Cassandra to mention Kobe Bryant and Binibining Pilipinas in one interview.

I met Cassy in 2008 during an all-girls basketball camp for the best high school players in Metro Manila. She was one of the tallest participants at 5-10. She was also equally adept at scoring lay-ups and singing Beyoncé. She was impossible to ignore.

Hence, when I learned that Cassy joined Binibining Pilipinas, I wasn’t shocked. Still, I had to know how serious ballers become possible beauty queens. I figured; conversations like this don’t happen everyday.

MH: What was your main reason for joining Binibining Pilipinas?

CN: Aside from my mom bugging me to join (laughs), I knew that if I didn’t do this now, it would always be a “what if” for me. I don’t want to have any regrets.

MH: What was your highest achievement as a basketball player?

CN: Just being part of my high school team (Assumption Antipolo) was already an achievement. Everything I learned as an athlete in terms of basketball skills and life skills, I learned from my teammates and my high school coach. It was one of the best times of my life.

MH: Do your teammates from Assumption know that you’re competing in Binibining Pilipinas?

CN: Of course they know! They’re all supportive and not surprised that I pursued this. We’re actually planning a reunion game after pageant night.

MH: After graduating from Assumption, you went to La Salle. Why didn’t you play for La Salle in the UAAP?

CN: I trained with the team but I realized I wanted to explore other opportunities. I love the game but I wanted to try something different.

MH: Do you miss playing basketball competitively?

CN: There are times I miss it, especially when I see others playing but I’m enjoying where I am now. I’m excited for what’s in store for me.

MH: Who are your favorite basketball players?

CN: My super favorite NBA player is Kobe Bryant. In the PBA, it’s James Yap. In the UAAP, it’s Jeron Teng from La Salle!

MH: Who are your top three teams in the NBA?

CN: The Lakers. I’ve always been a Laker fan. The Heat because of LeBron, Wade and Bosh. The Clippers because of Blake Griffin.

MH: Who will win the NBA championship this year?

CN: The Lakers! (laughs)

MH: Who is the best player of all time?

CN: Definitely Michael Jordan. He’s such an inspiration, not only in basketball. His dedication and outlook can be applied to other things as well.

MH: How is your basketball experience helping you deal with the pressures that come with competing in the Binibining Pilipinas?

CN: You learn to accept challenges. It’s all part of the game. You learn to accept what your strengths and weaknesses are because, after all, your biggest competition is yourself. - AMD, GMA News