THE presence of the FIBA Asia Cup trophy hopefully inspires the Gilas Pilipinas Women team in its bid to reach new heights in this year’s edition of the meet in Shenzhen, China.
Coach Pat Aquino expressed optimism the lady cagebelles will be able to keep its status in Division A, and at the same time, have a possible shot of earning a ticket to the FIBA World Cup.
It’s a grueling task given that Gilas found itself bracketed with regional powers Australia and Japan, along with Lebanon in the group stage of the tournament set July 13-20.
“We are excited about what we can do next. And we just hope that everything falls into place,” said Aquino during the presser for the Asia Cup Trophy Tour, which is currently in the country since last Saturday night.
“We’re not here to just stay in Group A. We have to compete now. That’s the main objective of the team.”
The positivity comes even in the wake of three stalwarts in Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, and Chack Cabinbin facing the possibility of missing the campaign owing to their duties as enlisted members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Both Pontejos and Cabinbin are with the Philippine Army, while Bernardino is with Philippine Navy.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy acknowledged that being part of the military, the team needs to get a permit from the AFP in allowing the three players to suit up for Gilas.
“Well, the SBP is really coordinating now with the AFP and the Department of National Defense about the situation,” Aquino admitted. “So that’s how the situation is going on, and hopefully, everything will push through with that.
“If not, we’re still preparing for that.”
JACK IS BACK
But the good news is that veteran star Jack Animam is now in the country fresh from her European stint and will be joining the team after a short break.
So does Fil-Am player Vanessa de Jesus, the former Duke point guard who is now with Notre Dame.
Other members of the Gilas women’s team present during the Trophy Tour held at the Buffalo Wings N’ Things at the MAAX Ground of the Mall of Asia are Monique del Carmen, Louna Ozar, Trina Guytingco, Bernardino, Naomi Panganiban, Khate Castillo, Pontejos, Ella Fajardo, Sumayah Sugapong, Kent Pastrana, Angel Surada, and Yvette Villanueva.
Comprising Aquino’s staff are Ramon Garcia, Julie Amos, and Paolo Gorospe, while Magnum Membrere is team manager.
Gilas women’s hope to finish at least as the third seed in its group and advance into the next round.
The top six teams after the tournament will also clinch berths in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany.
The Asia Cup trophy is currently in Malolos, Bulacan and will be brought in different universities in Manila such as National University, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo, University of Santo Tomas, and De La Salle until Thursday.
From Manila, the Asia Cup trophy will go to Hong Kong and then Shenzhen. It previously had stops in Nagoya and Seoul.
Prior to the FIBA Asia Cup, the Gilas women’s will also compete in the Jones Cup from July 2-6.
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