Head coach BT Toews has trimmed the Gilas Pilipinas Women pool to 17 players as the team ramps up preparations for the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028.
The tournament is set for August 17 to 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Leading the pool is the towering frontline of 6-foot-5 Jack Animam, 6-foot Kacey Dela Rosa, and 6-foot-2 Tiffany Reyes.
Animam returns to Gilas Women after last representing the Philippines in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
Dela Rosa, meanwhile, is back in the 5-on-5 program after spending the past few months competing in the 3×3 circuit.
The 15-year-old Reyes, meanwhile, will train with the senior national team for the first time.
Vanessa De Jesus, who recently signed with WKBL club Busan BNK, has been designated as the Philippines’ restricted player.
Also included in the pool are veterans Afril Bernardino, Jhazmin Joson, Louna Ozar, Kent Pastrana, Janine Pontejos, Angel Surada, Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Monique Del Carmen.
Joining the national team pool for the first time are Camille Malagar, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Jaz Salon.
Salon is a 5-foot-3 Fil-Australian point guard who currently plays for Colorado State University Pueblo.
Rounding out the squad is another promising youngster in Sophia Dignadice.
The Philippines has been drawn into Group B of the Pre-OQT alongside hosts Mexico, Canada, and Senegal.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the crossover semifinals, with the tournament champion securing a berth in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
