MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas women rookie Camille Clarin had nothing but high praise for her veteran teammates after her first appearance for the seniors team in the recently concluded 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Amman, Jordan.
Playing with fellow rookies Ella Fajardo, Ann Pingol and Kristine Cayabyab, Clarin used her time on the court to soak up experience from her more seasoned teammates.
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"It was a surreal feeling to put on the [Gilas] jersey but really the best part of the experience was sharing the court with those girls, with those vets, because they're definitely people I look up to," Clarin said on The Game.
"They definitely helped me and the rest of the rookies get through this as seamlessly as possible," she added.
Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos were among the veterans in the 12-woman squad, as mainstay Jack Danielle Animam had to beg off from the tournament due to her commitments in Serbia.
Bernardino and Pontejos, along with the likes of Khate Castillo, Clare Castro and Ria Nabalan, were able to anchor the team against powerhouse opponents despite coming into the tournament with short preparation time.
And while they only came home with a win against India to avoid relegation to Division B of the tournament, Clarin admitted she was impressed at how they were able to hold their ground.
"For them to continue to perform at the level they have, despite the lack of training, despite whoever we went against you know, it shows their heart and it show their passion for the game," said Clarin.