CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Women are in deep preparation inside their training bubble in Batangas as they prepare for the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup.
Head coach Pat Auino governs the proceedings as the women’s national basketball team get ready for Division A that will be played in Amman, Jordan from September 27 to October 3.
Gilas is grouped with Australia, China, and Taiwan.
“The continued growth of women’s basketball in the country is one of the pillars of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and this is why the federation along with our partners will do everything we can to support our Gilas Pilipinas Women,” said SBP Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio.
Aquino has a team comprised of veterans who’ve won in the regional level and also youngsters who are raring to prove their worth in the international stage.
Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Afril Bernardino, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Clare Castro, Ria Nabalan, Janine Pontejos, Mar Prado, and Andrea Tongco comprise the team’s veteran core while Kristin Cayabyab, Karl Pingol, Camille Clarin, and Ella Fajardo provide the youth.
Jack Danielle Animam, who’s an SBP Women in Basketball Ambassador, won’t be able to join the team in Jordan as she’s still in Serbia.
“It’s good that we can finally start working together,” said Aquino who holds concurrent roles as head coach and SBP Program Director for Gilas Pilipinas Women.
“During these times, it’s a luxury to be able to focus on basketball and that’s why the team is thankful for this opportunity to practice in a safe environment. We’re thankful to General Manager Vic de GuzmanSummit Point Golf & Country Club and Sales Manager Leonardo de Castro of JET Hotel for accommodating the team,” added Aquino.
Joining Aquino in the sidelines are assistant coaches Ramon Garcia, Julie Amos, and Mark Solano with trainer Paolo Gorospe and physical therapist Rassel Urag.
Gilas will first take on China on September 27, Australia on the 28th, and finally Taiwan on the 29th.
The top four teams from this competition will have the chance to qualify for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 in Australia.