FILE–Gilas Pilipinas Women. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Women leave for Jordan late Tuesday ahead of the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup.
The 12-woman Philippine team, which will be handled by longtime mentor Pat Aquino, will be led by veterans Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos.
Gilas is scheduled for an 11:30 p.m. flight to Dubai before heading to Jordan, as per Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio.
Joining the two star guards are Andrea Tongo, Ria Nabalan, France Mae Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Clare Castro and Mar Prado.
Rounding out the squad are Ella Fajardo, Camille Clarin, Kristine Cayabyab and Karl Ann Pingol, who are all making their Gilas Women debuts.
The continental meet tips off on September 27 and ends on October 3 at Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan. It was initially scheduled to take place in India.
Gilas, which will be without its pillar Jack Animam who is playing professionally in Serbia, is in Group B with China, Australia and Chinese Taipei.
The team opens its campaign against China on Monday.