Gilas Pilipinas Women stars Jack Animam and Jhazmin Joson are taking trailblazing talents to the Land Down Under in the National Basketball League.

Animam is now signed with the Ringwood Hawks of the NBL 1 Australia South Conference.

With Animam in the lineup, the Hawks opened the schedule against the Kilsyth Cobras and the Filipina did not disappoint. She shot a perfect 9 of 9 from the field and finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals in their 83-55 victory.

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

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s coach Pat Aquino shared the feeling.

“I’m thrilled that Jack and Jhazmin have been selected to play in the NBL1 tournament,” said Aquino. “It’s a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills on a global stage and represent their country with pride.

“I’m confident they’ll make the most of this incredible opportunity and contribute positively to their teams’ success.”

This is Animam’s fourth international stop after Serbia, France, and China.

Joson, meanwhile, fresh from seeing action with the Gilas Women in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, has signed up with NBL 1 team Goldfield Giants, based in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

“A week out from the start of their season, the Northern Star Resources Goldfields Giants women’s team has bolstered their roster with the inclusion of Filipino player Jhazmin Joson,” said the Goldfields team in a statement.

Joson bannered the Gilas Women to five straight victories from the qualification to the main draw, averaging six points per game as they advanced to the quarterfinals against Chinese Taipei.

With Animam and Joson showing the world what the Filipina is capable of, this paves the way for more female ballers to also get opportunities to play overseas. This should serve as an inspiration that there is a bright future ahead for Filipinas in the sport of basketball and it even extends beyond the country’s borders.