GILAS Pilipinas Women won’t have a couple of players who were part of the team that placed sixth at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in China.
The women’s basketball team will miss the services of Jack Animam due to her commitments with her club team in Japan. Animam has been part of the SEA Games since the Philippine edition in 2019.
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Also not in the SEA Games line-up are Vanessa de Jesus, Naomi Panganiban, and Sumayah Sugapong due to their commitments in the US NCAA.
Despite their absence, Gilas Women coach Pat Aquino remains confident of the title-retention bid of a team that includes the likes of veterans Afril Bernardino, Khate Castillo, Janine Pontejos, Chack Cabinbin, and Katrina Guytingco - members of the gold medal team in the Hanoi SEA Games in 2022.
“I know Jack isn’t going to be here because of her commitment in Japan. But I hope that these girls would really represent us and I think they have the talent and the experience, and we can have that gold again,” said Aquino.
“I talked to Janine and Afril, I know they are kinda a little bit old right now but their leadership in handling teammates is great for us because of the so many years being part of the national team. Tinutulingan din nila ‘yung mga young ones to be the next one who will be stepping up for them,” said Aquino.
Unlike past SEA Games that featured a round-robin tournament, this year’s competition has the seven teams grouped into two. The Philippines is in Group B along with bronze medallist Malaysia and Singapore.
The top team in each group advance to the semifinals outright while the next two fight for a place in the final four in a crossover play-in.
“It’s an even turf for me. It’s a different format of tournament. It’s going to be two groups. We are grouped with Malaysia and Singapore. Whoever is the top will be in the semis already. If not, you’ll go through the quarterfinals. It’s a good tournament for me. We have the talent and the capability of getting that gold again,” said Aquino.
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