Far Eastern University head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy is no stranger to Gilas Pilipinas Women, having represented the country as a player for several years.
Now taking up the mantle as a coach, Palmera-Dy could not have been prouder to see two of her players help bring the Philippines its first-ever Asian Games 3×3 basketball medal.
Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang helped Gilas Pilipinas secure its first podium finish in the quadrennial regional meet, claiming the silver medal at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
“I’m very proud of them. Actually, sabi ko nga, I told Amyah the other day: me personally, I did not experience having a medal on that level. So, them bringing in a silver medal, I’m really proud of them,” said Palmera-Dy, who also served as an assistant coach for the Gilas 5-on-5 squad.
“I told them, I’m gonna get that silver medal and ilalagay ko sa bahay ko. I will frame it. I’m really proud of these two players and [Elaine] Patio, who represented Gilas in the World Cup.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Patio suited up for the national team at the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan, China, earlier in September.
Palmera-Dy now hopes the experience gained by her players with the national team will trickle down to the rest of the Lady Tamaraws and translate onto the court as FEU begins its UAAP Season 89 campaign.
“They represented the Philippine team well in the Asian Games. It’s very important for us as a team kung ano ‘yung na-experience nila noong Asian Games, because they carried that kind of confidence,” she said.
“And ‘yung confidence na ‘yon is nakakahawa sa teammates nila, so napakalaking bagay no’n. And of course, sila ‘yung nilo-look up na ngayon ng teammates nila.”
Espanol in particular posted 18 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in FEU’s 76-71 opening-day victory over De La Salle University. And she believes the lessons she and Pasilang picked up from the Asian Games — particularly from playing 3×3 — will greatly benefit the Lady Tamaraws.
Pasilang likewise turned in an impressive performance on Wednesday, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
“I’m just really grateful, and I’m sure that Coach Raiza’s really grateful that we learned a lot playing 3×3 this summer. Just last week, I think we brought so many things from our intensity on defense, improving our game through 3×3,” said the 5-foot-8 guard from Detroit, Michigan.
