Tough draw for Gilas Women in Fiba World PreQualifiers

Gilas Women celebrated win over Chinese Taipei n the 2023 Fiba Asia Cup. –FIBA ASIA PHOTO

Looking to scale new heights, Gilas Pilipinas’ path in trying to do that will begin in Rwanda this August when it battles higher-ranked teams in the Fiba (International Basketball Federation) Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournaments (PQT).

The Nationals have been bunched with Senegal, Hungary and Brazil in Group C of the showpiece that Mexico City is also set to cohost.

“We are really excited to take part in this prequalifying tournament as we’re going against top teams,” national coach Pat Aquino told the Inquirer following the Draw Ceremony held at House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland, late Thursday.

The Philippines’ route in the Rwandan capital of Kigali will be a steep one as all three opponents are ranked higher than the Nationals. Senegal sits 15 notches above the Filipinos at No. 25, while Hungary is at No. 16. Brazil, meanwhile, is the eighth finest team on the planet.

Still, Aquino believes it’s an experience that will be truly transformative for Gilas.

“Having to compete at this level will [help in exposure] and allow us to grow,” the multititled mentor went on.

The PQT will send two teams into the last stage of the qualifiers that will determine the cast for the next World Cup to be held in Berlin, Germany, in September 2026.

Aquino has told the Inquirer in several interviews in the past that he hopes to see his charges compete in the global showcase, which is as prestigious as the Summer Olympic Games.