Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2019 SEA Games

After getting everyone’s attention, Aquino hopes women’s basketball can find a home


Gilas Pilipinas Women made history on Tuesday night after striking gold for the very first time in the Southeast Asian Games following an impressive win over perennial contenders Thailand.

Coach Pat Aquino was, of course, extremely proud of the achievement. And now, he hopes that this will be the start of greater things to come for women’s basketball in the Philippines.

2019-sea-games-philippines-def-thailand-womens-basketball-2 After getting everyone's attention, Aquino hopes women's basketball can find a home 2019 SEA Games Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

“Well, we’ve been dreaming of that since Day One that we handled the national team, na sana we make it great for women,” said Aquino moments after the Filipina cagers’ 91-71 victory.

“And now that we’re here, we achieved the goals that we’re supposed to do, and sana, for me, to keep it growing. You know, let’s not just let this pass by.”

One good sign appeared on that very same night, with a sizeable crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena cheering for Gilas Women while they coasted to the historic triumph.

“So far, I’m just so happy na may ganitong crowd, may ganitong tao dito ngayon,” said Aquino, who took over the national team in 2015.

“Just glad na napapansin na talaga kami.”

Philippine women’s basketball has really grown. In the last two FIBA Asia Cup tournaments, it has played in the Division A — the Philippines is the only team from this region to play in the top division.

At the collegiate level, NU has become a historic and dominant figure. The Lady Bulldogs have lorded over the UAAP women’s cagefest for six straights seasons now, including a 96-game winning streak.

#ReadMore  Lito Adiwang wishes to vie for Jarred Brooks’ ONE interim title

So far, there are two leagues in the country which players could enter: the Women’s National Basketball League, and the first-of-its-kind Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas Women’s 3×3.

2019-nbl-season-finals-game-3-air-force-def-taguig-champions After getting everyone's attention, Aquino hopes women's basketball can find a home 2019 SEA Games Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

However, for women’s hoops to really rise, Aquino said that more sponsors — besides long-time backer Ever Bilena Cosmetics — and a high-profile league are necessary.

“Well, that’s the dream na gusto ko. Now, that I’m the program director for women’s basketball, I really want women’s basketball to grow,” said the SBP’s women’s basketball director.

“Hopefully, a sponsor will come in next year and help us out to have a league of their own for women’s basketball. I think they’ll be proud of it,” he furthered. “These girls really work hard.

“Sana lang, sana lang ‘yung dream ko na ‘yun maging dire-diretso sa mga susunod na mga taon.”

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s campaign in the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament ended on a sour note as they suffered a heavy 87-62...

Basketball

Coming off a valiant 74-77 loss to world No. 8 Brazil, Gilas Pilipinas Women were dealt a harsh defeat 24 hours later. The Philippines...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Women suffered a heartbreaking loss in their opening game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Pre-qualifiers. The Philippines endured a narrow...

Bandwagon Wire

There are many reasons to be excited about Gilas Pilipinas Women, which will compete in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament in...

Basketball

The numbers did not fall in favor of Gilas Pilipinas Women. The Philippines not only fell to host Chinese-Taipei Blue, 66-82, but also fell...

Basketball

Jack Animam and Afril Bernardo shone brightly in Gilas Pilipinas’ 68-58 win over Thailand, leading the way to a rebound win with just a...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s rally fell short, resulting in an 83-85 defeat at the hands of Japan’s Universiade team on Monday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Women bounced back in the 2024 William Jones Cup, securing a 73-63 win over Harimau Malaysia on Sunday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium. Coming...

Advertisement