Gilas women open ‘we belong’ tour against Aussies

The well-chiseled Vanessa de Jesus gets her baptism of PH Team fire. —FIBA.COM

Barely dodging relegation the last time out, the Gilas Pilipinas Women will be looking to prove that they belong in the Fiba (International Basketball Federation) Asia Cup, though they know that it will be one mean task.

National coach Patrick Aquino knows that his charges will have their work cut out for them in the showcase in Sydney, Australia, but he remains steadfast in the belief that the team’s preparations—which include a pair of victories against Aussie clubs last week—are going to bolster the squad’s chances when it plunges into action on Monday.

“We know that our bracket has the powerhouse teams, so in terms of preparation, we have been polishing our offensive sets as a run-and-gun team,” he told the Inquirer on the eve of Gilas’ first match, which is against the hosts who have won their last three encounters against the Philippines by an average margin of 51.3 points.

“Height and skill-wise, it will be challenging. But to get a chance at keeping the game close, we must be able to outrun and outhustle these teams,” he went on.

Duke product

Tip-off at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre is 5:30 p.m. (Manila time) with Gilas looking to unveil three new weapons—one of whom is Duke guard Vanessa de Jesus, who has been key in the team’s tuneup wins over Keilor Thunder and Casey Cavaliers during a short camp in Melbourne.

“Beyond Vanessa’s talents, her presence is [also] a big big impact for the girls,” Aquino said of his prized recruit who will serve as the team’s naturalized player. “Her ability to adapt right away to our system and her high level of IQ as a (US NCAA) Division 1 point guard makes her a valuable asset to the team.

“Off the court, I’m glad that she’s also getting along really well with the team so it will help with the chemistry when they play together,” he added.

Familiar reliables Jack Danielle Animam, Afril Bernardino, Chack Cabinbin and Janine Pontejos make up the veteran core of the squad that will also clash with six-time winner and defending champion Japan, along with Chinese-Taipei, in the group phase.

Also making their debut for Gilas are Ateneo’s Jhazmin Joson and University of the Philippines-commit Louna Ozar.

The Philippines finished seventh in the previous edition of the Asia Cup and it will try to turn in a better performance as the top four nations will go directly to the qualifying tournaments for the Summer Olympics in Paris next year.

“We have to send the message that we belong [here],” Aquino said in a previous interview. “We’re not there just to hang around.” INQ