Expectations are high for Jack Animam back here in the Philippines. But her new club team Radnički Kragujevac is expecting more from here.
Radnički head coach Nenad Milovanović did not mince his words on what is expected for the 22-year-old once she gets to Serbia on Friday as the team begins their prep for the 2020-21 First Women’s Basketball League of Serbia season.
“I think Jack will be the leader of this team this season,” he said during a virtual press conference hosted by East West Private.
Animam’s resume has proven that she can lead a team.
During her five years at National University and one year in Shih Hsin University, she led both the Bulldogs to five straight championships in the UAAP while powering the Tigers to the 2020-21 UBA crown.
At the national team level, she was part of the historic Gilas Women’s team that won golds in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball in the Southeast Asian Games.
Upon seeing a lot of her film, Milovanović believes that Animam will still put up the numbers in the European game.
“Jack seems to be a good player here and she’s too fast for her position. I think she can play with and guard anyone in this league.”
Radnički is coming off a ninth-place finish last season, tallying a 7-15 slate.
And for the 33-year-old head coach, Animam’s post play and leadership skills will be of great benefit to his “young team.”
“We are looking for young post players and we have seen a lot from Jack. I was so excited to get her to our team.
“We have a young team. We only have two or three older girls I think that she can make some friendships here first becaues we have a great atmosphere in our team. We started practicing on August 9. We have a lot of new girls in the team,” he said.
Upon hearing this, Animam, who will carry a 96-game winning streak with her, felt pressured. But of course, this is what she signed for as an import.
“I mean sabi nga ni Sir Herson (Sy) better is good. Yes, I’m pressured right now but the pressure is always there,” said the 6-foot-2 native of Bulacan.
“I’ll just be me and do my things. Show my game and help my team in any way I can. I’m just excited to play with them.”
Radnicki’s management though has assured Animam that they will give her everything she needs not just on the court but also off of it.
“Serbia is a basketball country. We are hearing here that Jack is very motivated to work on her game and improve herself. We will assure that she will be better in every practice and every game while delivering the result that we need,” said secretary-general of the team Ivan Milošević.
“We will be a good host for her and try to be the best host that we can. “
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