Ilongga Pingol receives Gilas Women call-up for World Cup Qualifiers

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Ilongga hoops star Karl Ann Pingol proved that she is one of the best Filipina basketball players of the current generation after being named an official pool member of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s national basketball team for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

The pride of Pototan, Iloilo, completed the Gilas Women’s retooled roster, which is looking to embark on a new international journey after a tough gold medal campaign during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Despite failing to bring the National University Lady Bulldogs to the UAAP promised land, the do-it-all frontcourt star still had a phenomenal year, winning the league’s Most Valuable Player crown.

It wasn’t an easy path bagging the UAAP MVP plum, as Pingol edged Ateneo’s superstar, Kacey dela Rosa, who was also lights out during the past season.

Pingol amassed a total of 93.571 statistical points after the first two elimination rounds, while dela Rosa garnered 91.429 statistical points.

Her majestic UAAP season was capped off by two jaw-dropping triple-double performances against Adamson University and De La Salle University.

Although the Ilongga center had limited minutes in the 33rd SEA Games, head coach Patrick Aquino emphasized Pingol’s length, versatility, and defensive prowess that can be effective in the FIBA style of play.

Headlining the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s roster for the first window of the FIBA Qualifiers are Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, dela Rosa, and Kent Pastrana.

Mainstays and holdovers from Gilas’ SEA Games triumph are Trina Guytingco, Angel Surada, Stefanie Berberabe, Louna Ozar, Sophie Dignadice, Saray Heyn, and Sumayah Sugapong.