SHOOTING will be the biggest barometer for Gilas Pilipinas Women's success if it wants to progress past the group stages of the 2019 Fiba Women's Asia Cup next week.
Coach Pat Aquino stressed that the Filipinas' accuracy from deep is a must if they want to score upsets over favored Pool B foes Australia, China, and New Zealand.
"As much as possible, kailangan ko yung shooters talaga kasi sa international ganoon talaga yung laro," he said. "Yung height hindi namin makukuha, so doon ko na lang kinompose yung team full of good shooters."
That's why the pressure is on for the likes of Janine Pontejos and Gemma Miranda, as well as national team debutants Khate Castillo and Bea Daez to deliver.
But it's not just them, with Aquino also asking a lot from his frontcourt, especially Fil-Am forward Kelli Hayes who will be counted on to man the paint alongside Jack Animam, Danica Jose, and Eunique Chan.
"Kelli is ready," he said. "Every practice namin, I've been telling her to play big and she's fine with that. Everyone are ready to step up naman to reinforce Kelli, Jack, and Danica."
Rounding out the squad are Afril Bernardino, Ria Nabalan, Chack Cabinbin, and Andrea Tongco.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph