Gilas standout Jhazmin Joson. FIBA photo

MANILA -- Former Ateneo star Jhaz Joson has redemption in mind when she competes in the third season of Manila Hustle 3x3.

Joson reached the championship game with Titans last year, and will now lead the charge for Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Women this Feb. 8 and 9 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

She's embracing a different sort of pressure this time around as Joson will once again represent flag and country in the Philippine women's 3x3 international invitational that is 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.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas Women, Uratex Dream headline Manila Hustle Season 3

The national team had an eventful 2024, as they competed in the Fiba 3x3 Women's Series and experienced a higher level of competition against some of the top 3x3 teams in the world.

For Jozon, getting that exposure is crucial all the more with Gilas Women expecting more of the same in this coming tourney.

"Experiencing that level of competition for sure will definitely help us out," she said.

Jozon is banking on their chemistry to work in their favor, as they have now been playing together for a year.

"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 its finish last season, where they failed to reach the playoffs.

"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."