MANILA, Philippines — It is now Ava Fajardo's turn to don the Gilas jersey, just barely a month after her older sister Ella did so in the 31st Southeast Asian Games.
Set to lead the new core of the revamped Gilas Pilipinas youth girls team in the upcoming FIBA U16 Women's Asian Championship in Jordan, Ava looks to take pages from her ate's playbook as she frequently gets valuable advice from the older Fajardo.
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"You know, to never let your head down and always be nice to everyone," Ava said of what she picked up from her sister.
"My ate, she's always nice to everyone," she added.
Ava, though of course focused on the things she can do on the court, admits that she also gets help from off-court duties. Duties that include being in the limelight.
"She's also really good at interviews and you know, she's been helping me get ready for the media, basketball-wise, she's helping me mentally," she said.
The teen standout from New Jersey also emphasized sharing the honor of being in the national team with her older sister, and because they've been competing with and against each other all their lives, Ella continues to make her better.
"I'm getting there," Ava quipped of getting better at hoops than her sister.
"You know. Ate, she never goes easy on me. But that really helps me become a better player," she added.
Ava joins the likes of Miriam College standout Camille Nolasco, BJ Villarin, Gabriella Ramos, Naomi Panganiban and Samantha Medina.
Rounding up the 12-woman roster are Kristan Yumul, Emaleena Elson, Hannah Lopez, Kailah Jade Oani, Ryan Kelly Nair and Sierra Jade Patricio.
Currently in Division B of the tournament, Ava and the rest of the Gilas girls are looking to be promoted to the top division.
Hostilities begin on Friday, June 24, against Indonesia.