It has been only four years since Gilas Pilipinas Women’s reached Level I of FIBA Asia Women’s. But with the addition of Oceania countries Australia and New Zealand to the region, the Philippines will have a hard time remaining in the tier.
Don’t tell that to Gilas, though.
“We will give it our all. Siyempre, we don’t want to go back down to Division Two. Nasa Division One na tayo eh,” declared Jack Animam.
“Ire-retain namin position natin.”
Entering the continental meet — which begins on September 24 in Bangalore, India — the Philippines averages only a height of 5-foot-7. Gilas’ main concern is filling in the shoes left by 6-foot-4 Clare Castro, who begged off of national team duties due to academics.
One of the players who needs to step up is Kelli Hayes, a 6-footer who previously played guard in UCLA.
“She’s ready. Every practice namin, I’ve been telling her to play big and she’s fine with that.
“Gemma [Miranda], Afril [Bernardino], and Eunique [Chan] are ready to step up naman to reinforce Kelli [Hayes], Jack, and Danica [Jose],” said head coach Patrick Aquino.
And Hayes is ready to step up and give whatever is needed of her.
“That’s what we are supposed to do whatever position we are playing. Whatever I need to do to represent the Philippines to the best of my abilities, I will do that,” said the 23-year-old, who even enrolled in the National University’s master’s program so that she could spend more time with the team.
“Yes, we are going to miss Clare, but we have other great players that will step up for the team.”
Gilas Women’s is in Group B, where they will face Australia, China, and New Zealand — all of whom are much taller, while having WNBA-level players. But what they lack in length, they will make up for in youth and shooting.
“Siyempre, very saddened kami with the departure of Clare Castro, so we really had to adjust the lineup. As much as possible, kailangan ko yung shooters talaga kasi sa international ganun talaga yung laro,” said Aquino.
“Yung height hindi namin makukuha so dun ko na lang kinompose yung team — shooters and good shooters.”
The bottom teams of the two groups will duke it out for the right to remain in Level I.
If the team is not worried, then why should the country be?
