Another Dignadice looks primed to become part of the country’s national basketball team.
Sofia, the 12-year-old daughter of nine-time PBA champion Yves, impressed Gilas Pilipinas Women’s head coach Patrick Aquino during a two-day showcase held in California last weekend.
The showcase was organized by Cris Gopez’s Fil-Am Nation Select.
“Despite being just 12 years old, Sofia showed maturity beyond her years,” said Aquino about Sofia, who is a varsity member of Madrona Middle School in Torrance.
Yves had a long career that spanned almost two decades. He played for the San Miguel Beermen for 12 years, before ending his career with Ginebra.
The 6-foot-4 product of De La Salle University was part of the 1985 national team that won gold in the 1985 FIBA Asia Championship.
Also shining during the private session – also attended by Sean Chambers – were 14-year-old Naomi Panganiban, 14-year-old Kai Oani, and sisters Sumayah and Safiyah Sugapong.
“The good thing about this is that we can still get their Philippine passports,” added Aquino regarding the “Hagop rule.”
A total of 16 potential national team prospects attended the meet.
Aquino will go around the US until the end of the month to scout for more Gilas Women’s prospects. He will also visit Vanessa De Jesus, Mei-Loni Henson, Ella Fajardo, and Faith Curry.
