By MARK REY MONTEJO
Veteran coach Pat Aquino has been through it all with the Gilas Pilipinas women’s team and he strongly believes that program is on the right direction and has a bright future ahead.
This, after Gilas Girls’ triumphant campaign in the FIBA Women’s U18 Asia Cup Division B in Shenzhen, China, where they earned a promotion to the Division A that is composed to join Asian powerhouses China, Japan and Australia.
With the U18 team promotion, all of Gilas Women’s team are now in the Division A of their tournaments joining the U16 and the seniors team. Such continued excellence of Gilas teams from the youth and the seniors says a lot about the sustainability of the program according to the 53-year-old tactician.
“This is the future of our women’s basketball [and] tingin ko wala na tayong problema for the next years or so. We should continue the program for the 16-under and 18-under with the help of SBP (Sahahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) president Al Panlilio and executive director Erika Dy,” said Aquino in PSA Forum Tuesday, July 2.
“I know this is not the best talent that we can have, but we have the best girls that can make it,” he added. “And they have talent and they can do more in the future.”
With a lot of talent on hand, Aquino, who is also the Gilas women program director, stressed that each member of U18 will be part of the pool in the future, especially the likes of Ava Fajardo, sister of Gilas’ Ella, Naomi Panganiban and Gabby Ramos.
Panganiban and Ramos, who both committed in their respective US universities, already got a callup to the seniors squad for the 2024 Jones Cup in Taiwan this Saturday, July 6.
The participation is part of Gilas women’s roster buildup and preparation for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Rwanda in August.
“Because I know the girls can do it. I think we are already expected to be leveling before that. So, we’re trying to group it now,” Aquino continued.
Eyes on the prize in 2025 SEAG
Aquino and the Filipina cagers are also eyeing for redemption in the 2025 edition of the biennial meet in Thailand where they aim to take home the golden honor.
“Kailangan makuha ulit natin ang gold sa SEA Games,” Aquino added.
“As I’ve said before, these girls are the future of women’s basketball in the Philippines. And hopefully, they’ll be available and share their talent for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games.”
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia edition last year, the Nationals settled for silver after finishing with a 5-1 record just behind gold winner Indonesia (6-0) while Malaysia (4-2) took the bronze in women’s basketball.
