Gilas Women’s rise to world No. 37 a ‘testament to the program’

Members of the Gilas Pilipinas Women team during an open training with the men’s team on Thursday. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRERnet

MANILA, Philippines—The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team’s rise in the Fiba World rankings was simply a “testament” to the squad’s hard work, said national coach Pat Aquino.

During an open practice at Philsports Arena on Thursday, Aquino spoke about the Gilas women’s leap in the Fiba women’s world rankings from No. 42 to No.37.

“Like I said before, we went through a long road but we’re getting there. I’m just happy to continue what we’re doing,” the veteran tactician said. “It’s a testament to our program.”

The country’s improvement in standing stemmed from the Filipinos’ outing in the Fiba Asia Women’s World Cup where they avoided relegation by beating Chinese Taipei, 92-81.

It was their first win in Division A since being promoted in 2015.

The improvement also made Gilas women’s the seventh-best team in Asia, just behind China (No. 2), Australia (3), Japan (9), Korea (13), New Zealand (23), and Chinese Taipei (37).

Still atop the world rankings is Team USA with 834.6 points.

Despite the huge development of the squad, Aquino hopes that it’s just the beginning for his his team and the program.

“Hopefully we continue going up and go higher in the future,” he said.

The Gilas Women’s team will compete in the 2023 Asian Games at Hangzhou, China, alongside Gilas Pilipinas.