One cannot totally say that the Philippines dominate the region in a specific sport if it is only the men’s team who crush opponents towards title after title. Unlike softball, which racks up golds in the Southeast Asian Games, the country is yet to completely conquer the region in our most beloved sport – basketball.
Current Women’s National Team Head Coach, Patrick Aquino, shares the road for that elusive gold. He started by saying that the team had been together for three months already; busy preparing for the Games. The former UPIS coach believes, “as of today, we’re really in a high form already.” Aside from this, Aquino further thinks that with the talent the team has, we can finally get that dream finish.
It would be a tough task as the Philippines takes on the defending champions, Thailand, to open their campaign on June 9. However, the experienced mentor is not fazed, but rather he said, “the thing is, we just focus right now on what we’re supposed to do. And the girls are on that focus even if it is Thailand or not.” For Aquino, what is important will be “how we play the game on that day.” He also added that he hopes that his wards have the heart and the will to win on that morning tussle.
Although it is relatively new, the stigma of the past SEA Games is not without its trace in the team, for there are at least three members who were part of that 2011 “almost champion” squad. Despite that history, the UAAP champion coach will rely on the experience of the veterans and the energy of the newbies to fuel the team’s success. He expressed that, “the aspect of the veterans of teaching the new ones what will they [are] facing in the SEA Games; and the new ones – all excited – can pull up those veterans to play more.” What is left, according to Aquino, is for the team to work together.
With the bonding and training trips to Malaysia and Taiwan, as part of simulating games in the biennial meet, the Balckwater-Perlas Pilipinas tactician believes that the team is ready to battle in the SEA Games, and they will fight as a solid single unit. Aquino also believes that talent in women’s basketball here in the country is abundant yet not given enough credit.
As such, their battle cry come Game Time, as they attempt to get the gold medal that we longed for, will be: to be recognized as a team that works hard and has potential to give honor to the country. Nonetheless, one thing is sure – the Philippine women’s national team will shine through their efforts and make us proud.
The complete schedule of the Philippine women’s basketball team games:
June 9: 9am vs Thailand
June 10: 9am vs Vietnam
June 11: 9am vs Malaysia
June 12: 12pm v Indonesia
June 15: 2pm v Singapore
