The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has announced that it is searching for a new head coach for Gilas Pilipinas Women, as Patrick Aquino concludes his decade-long tenure at the helm.
Aquino, who guided the program through its most successful era, will transition to a new role within the federation focused on talent identification and grassroots development alongside Program Director Norman Black.
“The SBP thanks coach Patrick Aquino for everything that he has done for the program and for all his efforts in the development of women’s basketball in the country,” SBP President Ricky Vargas said.
“But now it’s time to move forward and do more for Gilas Pilipinas Women and the entire women’s basketball community in the country.”
During Aquino’s leadership, Gilas Pilipinas Women achieved historic milestones, including the Philippines’ first-ever Southeast Asian Games gold medal in 2019. He also guided the squad to one silver and two more gold medals, the latest coming in Bangkok.
He further played a pivotal role in elevating the national team to Division A status in FIBA Asia for both the seniors and juniors levels.
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“The landscape of women’s basketball is changing as we’re seeing Filipina talent sprouting from all over the world,” Vargas added.
“The talent of our Filipina players is also being recognized as doors are opening for them internationally. We need to harness all of this into our team. This is a crucial period where we really need to invest in the growth of our women’s program as we look forward to hosting the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in 2027.”
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy confirmed that the search for a new head coach will leave no stone unturned.
“We’re going to have a thorough process to determine who will lead Gilas Pilipinas Women moving forward. We don’t have clear prospects yet, but the search begins now,” Dy said.
“We’re not limiting ourselves to local coaches. Our plan is to land the best option possible, and if that means hiring from abroad, that’s what we will do.”
The national team recently wrapped up its stint in Lyon, France, for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament. Gilas began the campaign with losses to France, Germany, Nigeria, and South Korea but closed with a win against Colombia, finishing fourth overall with a 1–4 record.
“The SBP believes that our Filipina basketball players are good enough not just to be on the same court as these world-class teams, but good enough to beat them,” Vargas said.
“This is why the federation is committed to investing more in our women’s program, and it will start with our search for a new Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach.”
Gilas Pilipinas Women will next compete in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament this August, followed by the Asian Games in Japan in September.
