Jack Animam draws inspiration from Ja Morant

Jack Animam has weathered her share of highs and lows in her ongoing quest to uplift the local women’s basketball scene.

As she continues that mission, she also draws strength from a mantra by NBA star Ja Morant that resonates deeply: “Nobody said it’s gonna be easy.”

Morant made his first visit to the Philippines last Friday as part of his “Make Them Watch” tour, giving players like Jack Animam a rare opportunity to showcase their game in front of the Memphis guard.

"The lesson is that nobody said it’s gonna be easy but you have to continue working and keep going and keep the faith," Animam told the media after the exhibition game.

"...because darating ‘yung one day mo na you’re gonna be in the spotlight. All the lights are gonna be on you and that just shows Ja Morant’s journey."

For Animam, Morant’s journey is one that extends beyond personal inspiration, saying it echoes the aspirations of many in the basketball community, including those of the Gilas Pilipinas Women.

The youth-laden Filipinas are coming off a gallant stand at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. 

Gilas kept its Division A status after pulling off a narrow 73-70 win against Lebanon with Animam joining forces with young guns Naomi Panganiban, Sumayah Sugapong, Kacey Dela Rosa, and Kent Pastrana.

"Hindi medyo, bata talaga. But I think that just shows how resilient we are, us athletes, especially Filipina athletes," Animam added. 

"Kahit na kung sinuman ang nasa harap, walang aatrasan ‘yan. Laban talaga ‘yan and I think that’s what we showed."

Animam also hopes to see more international basketball stars engage with the local scene, especially with the Philippines being one of the most passionate basketball nations in the world.

"Personally, makita ‘yung ganitong karaming babae to join in this event, sobrnag happy. We’re a basketball-crazy country so dapat lang ‘yung mga basketball stars dito pumunta," Animam said. 

"And the kids can see kasi representation matters and to see these girls play, and hindi lang basta maglaro kasi talagang may skills at talent, just wow. Amazing."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News