TO say that Jhaz Joson is out for redemption this coming Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 3 is a massive understatement.
Reaching the championship game with Titans last year, the Ateneo stalwart will now lead the charge for Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Women this Feb. 8 and 9 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
Carrying the flag on her chest, however, adds another degree of responsibility, as she knows the added weight of being the pacesetter for the seven local teams in the Philippine women’s 3x3 international invitational co-presented by Uratex, Smart, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
“I’m very motivated. I feel like being on a different team will give me so much fire because I’ve been playing with these girls for a while now,” said Jozon, who will link up with Camille Clarin, Mikka Cacho, and Hazelle Yam for Gilas Women.
Indeed, the national team has been through a lot last year, getting their feet wet in the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series and experiencing high level competition against some of the top teams in the world.
For Jozon, getting that exposure is crucial, especially with Gilas Women expecting more of the same in this coming tourney.
Gilas geared up
But what could not be overstated is their chemistry, with their year-long partnership already paying dividends - even during practices.
“Everyone came from a different background in college, but since we’ve known and played together for a year, we have a feel of how the system is,” she said. “We are more familiar with our roles and how we can make each other better and how to play together.”
That would be put to the test come the competition, yet Jozon is confident that Gilas Women can exceed their finish last season, where they failed to reach the playoffs, in this tilt which has Titan as official partner, together with Wilson, Seiko, B’lue, Secret Fresh, BDO, Jollibee, TRYP by Wyndham, Jisulife, Rexona, and Laurin.
“What makes us different is our grit; that we go beyond our reach because we have what it takes. We definitely go beyond what is asked,” she said.
“So expect us to fight every second of the game and expect us that it won’t be easy to go against us.”
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