SHENZHEN (China) - In the heart of the Philippines’ national team stands Jack Animam—affectionately known as “Ate Jack” or “Older Sister Jack”—a seasoned warrior whose fearless mindset and unwavering leadership inspire a young squad navigating Asia’s toughest competition.
Now in her fifth FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, Animam brings not only skill but a fighter’s spirit that shapes the team’s identity.
Playing professionally for FCC UAV Arad in Romania’s Liga Națională, Animam has proven herself on international courts for years.
Now, currently averaging of 13.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 block per game over two contests at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025, she ranks third in rebounds per game and is one of only three players to record double-doubles so far.
Beyond stats, though, it’s Animam's mindset that truly sets her apart.
"I think it’s not something new to me (being a leader) because, you know, I’ve been playing for the national team for the longest time," she said. "I think I’ve been the leader since some other veterans are not here. In a way, I'm the last man standing with that batch. But every time I played for the national team, I take up that role as a leader, being one of the most experienced playing internationally."
Her head coach, Pat Aquino, highlights her impact, "Her experience, having started playing at a very young age, she knows the feeling of playing in this environment. With her as a leader and mentor, it’s a very big effect on the girls, having her there, guiding them. Thanks to Jack, we have a good future in Philippine women’s basketball."
"She’s like the heart of our team. I think she leads us both on the court and off the court, and I think what she does on both ends is irreplaceable," teammate Vanessa De Jesus said, capturing what Animam means to the squad.
"And for us, when she’s on like that, I think no one can stop us," De Jesus added after Animam posted 24 points ans 14 rebounds against Japan. "So I’m just really proud of her and just playing her heart out and leading us."
Animam’s approach is simple but powerful. Whether it's facing top teams like Australia and Japan or any other opponents, her resolve never wavers.
"My mindset is whoever is in front of me doesn’t matter," she declared. "As long as I play my game, follow the coach’s game plan, and do me, it really doesn’t matter who I’m playing against."
That said, she recognizes the challenge of this current Gilas Women group, especially since, at just 26 years old, she's already the second-oldest player on the roster.
As such, she carries the responsibility of mentoring her young teammates as they step into the physicality of senior international play.
"I’m glad that now they experience this level of competition, especially the physicality, because this is a young team," she said. "Most of them are used to playing with their age group, but now they’re going to play with grown women, professional women, veterans with their respected national teams."
Even after their close defeat to former Women's Asia Cup champions Japan, Animam’s fighting spirit shone through.
"We came in as underdogs. I told my teammates that no matter what, we have to fight and rise up to the challenge," she said. "It still feels like a win even if we lost."
Jack Animam’s fearless leadership and relentless heart anchor the Philippines’ team, paving the way for a new generation eager to prove themselves on Asia’s grandest stage.
Her unyielding spirit drives the Philippines’ fight in Shenzhen, igniting a young team hungry to write their own story.
FIBA