IN a basketball-obsessed country like the Philippines, the opportunities for growth in every aspect of the game are boundless.
Despite the fierce competition in women’s basketball, however, it still lags behind its male counterpart in terms of stature and popularity among fans.
Men’s basketball in the country enjoys unparalleled following, so much so that ‘Pinoy-baiting’ became part of global basketball conversations.
But why does this disparity exist? What’s holding women’s basketball back?
READ TITAN taps Pinay artists to design collab with Sabrina Ioenscu
Insights from Manila visitor Sabrina Ionescu might offer some clues.
In her discussions, potential solutions were explored that might help bridge the gap and elevate the women’s game to the level it truly deserves.
And for the WNBA champ, she recognizes her role in this effort very clearly.
“I understand how I can impact someone’s life to have big dreams and be the best version of themselves. Understanding the role I have, I’m blessed to do this here because I feel the energy, and I see the young kids look at me with big eyes – wanting to be like me,” Ionescu said of her visit to the Philippines, which marked the beginning of her Asia tour to promote her signature shoe with Nike and her exclusive collaboration with Filipino brand Titan.
The American-Romanian star, now in her third day in the country, has been generous in sharing her wisdom wherever she goes. Among her many suggestions, Ionescu believes that men play a crucial role in helping their female counterparts grow.
“One of the roles men can play is to support basketball as a whole, without specifying gender,” she said. “It’s about understanding that it’s basketball, and everyone is an athlete, working on being the best versions of themselves.”
This concept also echoes what was initially discussed by UAAP deputy commissioner Mariana Lopa in a past interview where she talked about how it’d take an ecosystem to improve the women’s game.
READ: Marian Lopa says it'll take an ecosystem to elevate women's basketball
While promoting her shoe was a key part of the tour, Ionescu recognized that her impact could go far beyond that.
“It’s a lot bigger than the shoe,” Ionescu said of her partnership with the Philippine-based basketball concept store. “It’s about understanding the commitment to growing basketball for women, and how women in this area can impact lives around the world. [I need] everyone to understand that all parts of the arena — not just the players and fans — are part of the story.”
Part of Ionescu's efforts is to put together a co-ed team for a talent showcase in the Big Dome, where some of the biggest names in PH basketball took part of.
She continued: “Being able to do it with a signature shoe is one of the biggest blessings in my life, hoping to impact the next generation of athletes, who, in the future, will have their own signature shoes and will also impact the next generation.”
Ionescu will travel to Guangzhou and then Hong Kong for the remaining part of her tour.
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