With four key players unavailable for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, the spotlight now turns to the continuity of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s program.
Head coach Pat Aquino revealed that Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Andrea Tongco, and Chack Cabinbin will not be part of the Philippine squad set to compete in both the Jones Cup and the Asia Cup this July.
In their absence, the team will lean on its younger talents — many of whom have come up through the national youth program.
Former youth standouts who have now transitioned to the senior squad are expected to lead the charge in the biennial tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
“Very big opportunity, especially again I could be proud of the program is doing right now. The transition from the youth program going into the seniors program — that’s a big thing for us,” said Aquino during the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup trophy tour’s Manila stop on Monday.
“Not having to get new ones at the time they reach the seniors but having to build the program already, having to play international already — that’s a big plus for us,” added the longtime national team tactician.
Among the new faces in the senior lineup is 19-year-old Sumayah Sugapong, making her debut after a stellar collegiate run at the University of California San Diego.
In just her sophomore season, Sugapong led the Tritons to the Big West Championship in 2024-25, earning Tournament Most Valuable Player honors with averages of 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.42 steals. Her efforts also propelled UC San Diego to its first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament appearance.
Following her breakout year, Sugapong has since transferred to the University of Arizona.
(C) Iona Gaels
Also present at the press conference, held at Buffalo’s Wings and Things in the Mall of Asia Complex, were fellow youth program graduates Naomi Panganiban, Louna Ozar, and Ella Fajardo.
Adding to the mix are UAAP standouts Kent Pastrana from the University of Santo Tomas and Yvette Villanueva of Far Eastern University.
Other players in attendance included Monique del Carmen, Khate Castillo, Trina Guytingco, and Angel Surada, further highlighting the depth and future potential of the Gilas Women’s program.
