The Philippine women’s basketball team is aiming to keep its winning streak alive and defend its title as it heads to Cambodia for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
The team will welcome back Jack Animam, who missed last year’s Vietnam Games due to an ACL injury.
Animam’s return is crucial for Gilas Pilipinas as she is expected to lead the squad in their bid for a third straight crown.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas released the final 12 of Gilas Women on Wednesday on their social media page. The team includes Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Clare Castro, Khate Castillo, Camille Clarin, Katrina Guytingco, Ella Fajardo, Chack Cabinbin, Stefanie Berberabe, Andrea Tongco, and Angel Surada. All players have been making multiple tours of duty for the country.
Last year, despite Animam’s absence, Gilas Women won its second consecutive gold medal, winning four out of five games in the single round-robin tournament. Animam first played for Gilas in 2019 when the team won its breakthrough gold medal in the games.
The women’s 5-on-5 division will once again be a single round-robin format. Gilas Pilipinas will play against Cambodia on May 10, Singapore on May 11, Indonesia on May 12, Vietnam on May 13, Thailand on May 14, and Malaysia on May 15.
Aside from the 5-on-5 event, Animam, Bernardino, Pontejos, and Mikka Cacho were also named to the women’s 3×3 team that will start play on May 6.
With Animam back on the court, Gilas Women will aim to continue their dominance in the tournament. The team will be determined to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
