Cainglet tops WNBL draft

Fille Claudine Cainglet was selected by Glutagence to emerge as top overall pick in the first-ever draft of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

Older sister of volleyball star Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Cainglet said her selection wasn’t only her success, but also a victory for women’s players and Philippine basketball in general.

“Actually, I was at the operating room when I learned that I was taken first in the WNBL draft. I’m grateful beyond words to be here,” said the 32-year-old cager, who is studying to become an orthopedic surgeon.

“I think the league — the first professional basketball league in the Philippines for women ballers — is one giant step.”

Cainglet knows the task will not be easy. Aside from running the plays of Glutagence, she also has a massive responsibility at the orthopedic surgery section of the East Avenue Medical Center, where she is needed practically the entire day.

“During the duty, we do patient rounds and we also have surgery as well as emergency situations,” she said during the press briefing late Thursday.

“But I think I will be able to fit the schedule like a student-athlete life. With good time management, we’ll be able to move things around.”

Aside from a stint for University of the Philippines during her collegiate years from 2006 to 2011, Cainglet didn’t get to play professionally.

She said she is thankful to the WNBL for turning her dream of playing in the professional level come true.

“It’s also a testament that there are great women basketball players in the country. We truly deserve a spot in the Philippine sports industry.”