The women’s team of Gilas Pilipinas is also ramping up its efforts in strengthening its roster after a strong showing in the 31st Southeast Asian Games.
Led by Coach Pat Aquino, the team defended its crown by topping the standings with a 4-1 slate.
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios shared on Tuesday that the decorated mentor will have to find ways to reinforce his team with homegrown talents as they play in numerous FIBA-sanctioned tournaments moving forward.
“Yan ang mga pinaghahandaan ni Coach Pat. Mayroon siyang review on his team composition kasi if you’ll notice sa SEAG, part ‘nun eh marami siyang Fil-Foreign,” he said on the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
Some of the new blood will debut in the FIBA Under-16 Women’s Asian Championship Division B which takes place from June 24-30 in Amman, Jordan.
Aside from the five-a-side proceedings, Aquino will also need to form a competitive team in the 3×3 event. The team composed of Ella Fajardo, Camille Clarin, Tin Cayabyab, and Angel Surada previously snagged bronze after stunning No. 1 ranked China with a 14-11 victory in the FIBA 3×3 Under-18 Asia Cup back in 2019.
Only a month away from the curtain-opener of the upcoming FIBA Asia 3×3 Cup, the SBP will aim to field a good crop of players that can potentially contend for a gold medal finish this time around.
“So paano niya mabubuo ‘yung isang competitive team na right now, mayroon tayong 3×3 sa July 6 to 10 sa Singapore,” Barrios stressed. “3×3 lang po ito but nevertheless, gusto rin nating palakasin ‘yung ating 3×3 women’s from gold to bronze. Buti naman naka-salvage tayo ng bronze sa women’s.
“Alam niyo naman si Coach Pat ‘pag ‘di gold, ‘di siya masaya eh. So subukan nating palakasin pa.”
