Afril Bernardino and Clare Castro will lead a young Gilas Women’s crew in the 2022 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, which takes place from July 7 to 10 in Singapore.
Bernardino and Castro will join Khate Castillo, Camille Clarin, Katrina Guytingco, and Mikka Cacho in the tournament, which will serve as the qualifier for the World Cup.
Bernardino, 26, and Castro, 25, are the most experienced in the crew, having played in two Southeast Asian Games. They have made an appearance in an Asia and World Cup.
Meanwhile, Castillo, a 5-foot-7 shooter, has the same skillset as Janine Pontejos, who had to beg off from the tournament. The owner of most three made in a UAAP 5-on-5 basketball game only played in level four events.
Despite being just 21 years of age, Clarin has already played in the Under-18 Asia and World Cups — finishing in third place during the 2019 edition of the continental meet.
Guytingco, 24, has dedicated herself to the 3×3 game over the past year, playing in the WNBL 3×3 tournament.
Finally, Cacho, 24 and stands at 5-foot-7, will be the wildcard as this will be her first break with the national team.
Four players will compose the team while the other two will be listed as reserves.
Gilas Women will need to top Qualifying Draw B to get into the tournament proper. Also in the group are Jordan and Thailand.
