Filipina basketball star Jack Animam is hopeful that her stint for Serbian team Radni?ki Kragujevac in the First Women’s Basketball League would prepare her for a run at her ultimate goal—the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
The former standout of the National University Lady Bulldogs has already accomplished a lot in her young but decorated career including winning MVP in the UAAP. However, her adviser and mentor, former WNBA player Imani McGee-Stafford says it’s still not enough to get the attention of WNBA scouts.
“One of the hardest parts in getting to the WNBA is having quality film against other quality players, especially when coming out of college from a different country,” shared McGee-Stafford during a virtual press conference.
McGee-Stafford is a 6-foot-7 center who currently plays for the Perth Lynx in Australia’s WNBL. She played college basketball for the University of Texas in the NCAA and was drafted 10th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2016 WNBA Draft. She has also played for Atlanta and Dallas before continuing her career overseas.
“Being able to get that film will definitely help her career,” McGee-Stafford furthered. “Jack’s ultimate goal is the WNBA and this is definitely a stepping stone. Being able to get that film will definitely help her career.”
For her part, Animam has also been putting in the work to prepare herself for the competition that awaits her in Europe. Helping her out has been her management agency, East West Private, and coach Dante Harlan.
“When I was doing workouts here, we really worked hard with my midrange shot and my ball-handling,” Animam shared.
EWP CEO Patty Scott, though, emphasized that Animam’s focus at the moment is to help Radni?ki Kragujevac.
“One step at a time right? Right now Jack’s focus is Serbia,” said Scott. “What dream wouldn’t be out there for the WNBA? But her focus right now is 100-percent Serbia.”
