Former national team member Allana Lim has played three years in professional women’s leagues outside of the Philippines.
This time, a chance to play locally for a squad in the Women’s National Basketball League is something she welcomes.
“For me, ito iyung araw na hinihintay namin. Sa dami ng taon ng aking paglalaro, deserve naming mabigyan ng sariling liga,” said the 5’9” Lim, now that she will be playing for the Paranaque Lady Aces in the inaugural season of the Women’s National Basketball League.
Lim, who played for squads in women’s professional leagues in Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore and Thailand, expressed her excitement during an online team presentation.
This time, she will not have to go outside the country to just find a league to play in.
“Isa sa aming mga goal ay ma-develop ang mga players at maging stepping stone ito sa next level ng kanilang career,” said team manager Joel Mendoza, who joined the presentation with coach Myk Saguiguit, Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Vice Mayor Jose Enrico Golez and councilor Binky Favis.
Lim used to play for the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in the University Athletic of the Philippines.
With her around, Lim led the Lady Tams in reaching the finals in Season 73 and clinch the title in Season 74, where she was named Most Valuable Player.
Stints with the Perlas Pilipinas national team followed, leading to a gold medal in the 2016 Southeast Asia Basketball Association championship.
After graduation, Lim was signed in to play for KL Ruby of the Malaysian Women’s Basketball League.
Lim is part of the protected list of the Lady Aces, including ex-national team member Clare Castro.
The Lady Aces, coached by Jayen Santos, also have team skipper Vanessa Santos, ex-Lady Tamaraw April Siat, homegrown cagers Kris Tolentino, Mardyn Tingcang, Carmina Reyes and Adamson star Jamie Alcoy. They will also have ex-Lady Tamaraws in Precious Arellado and Valerie Mamaril in their roster.