NBL1: Animam set to make Ringwood debut, Joson signs with Goldfields, Heading sizzles for West Adelaide

Gilas Pilipinas women star Jack Animam is set to embark on a new journey in her career.

Animam, who previously suited up for Wuhan Shengfan in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association, will now be playing for the Ringwood Hawks in the NBL1, a semi-professional league in Australia.

• READ: Jack Animam signs with WCBA team Wuhan Shengfan

“It’s amazing,” said the former NU Lady Bulldog in an interview with philtimes.com.au which was posted on Animam’s Instagram account.  

“I’m just happy to be here. I think it’s been two years in the making and now I’m here. It’s about time, and I just can’t wait to play games and represent the Ringwood Hawks,” she added.

Animam, who normed 11.4 points, 12 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.1 steals in 35 appearances for Wuhan in the WCBA, will be making her NBL debut on April 3 when they face the Kilsyth Cobras in what is said to be a rivalry game in the semi-pro league.

Meanwhile, her fellow Gilas women's star Jhaz Joson will be playing for the Goldfields Giants.

“Congratulations to Jhaz Joson for signing with NBL1 team Goldfields Giants, an NBL1 West club based in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The Giants got a good one,” her agency Titan Management Group announced on its social media account. 

The former Ateneo Blue Eagles star recently competed with the National team in the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Asia Cup last week, and she will now have the chance to showcase her talents in the land DownUnder.

• READ: Gilas women falter against Chinese Taipei in Asia Cup q’finals

Also playing in Australia is Gilas men’s sniper Jordan Heading who is currently with West Adelaide Bearcats in the NBL1 men’s division.

Heading was scorching hot in his first two games with the Bearcats — with the former PBA Draftee pouring in 45 points against the South Adelaide Basketball Club last March 29 — and is currently averaging 36.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists so far.