Gilas Pilipinas Women leaves for FIBA Asia Cup

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Gilas Pilipinas Women just left the Philippines as they begin their campaign for the upcoming 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A competition in Amman, Jordan.

Head coach Patrick Aquino and his squad will finally look to reap the fruits of their labor despite the challenges brought to them by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To recall, coach Aquino spent no days off as he traveled to the US during the off-season, scouting for the perfect Fil-Am players to be included in the next set of pools for the Gilas Pilipinas Women.

Aside from his trips overseas, Aquino was also the one who formed the current Gilas Pilipinas Women’s roster and at the same time accepted the head coaching duties for the team.

“I have no expectations for this tournament, I am just happy that my players have a chance to compete on the biggest stage once again. At the end of the day, the opportunity to even play basketball is more than we hoped for so we are just going to go out there and do our best,” shared Aquino.

Veterans Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Clare Castro, Andrea Tongco, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Ria Nabalan, and Mar Prado will lead the team as hold-overs from the previous roster.

Meanwhile, first-timers Ella Fajardo, Camille Clarin, Ann Pingol, and Kristine Cayabyab will try to impress and leave a long-lasting impression on Gilas and the PH hoop community.