By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Finally, the Gilas Pilipinas Women team already started their bubble training camp at the Summit Point Golf & Country Club in Lipa, Batangas.
With several international stints already on their way, the Gilas team is hoping their sacrifices pay off after months of thorough scouting from head coach Pat Aquino.
“The continued growth of women’s basketball in the country is one of the pillars of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. And this is why the federation along with our partners will do everything we can to support our Gilas Pilipinas Women,” said SBP Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio.
The team will represent the country in the upcoming FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2021 to be staged from September 27 to October 3 in Amman, Jordan.
It will not be an easy road for the Gilas Women as they are grouped with FIBA household countries: Australia, China, and Chinese Taipei in Division A.
Aquino spent his off-season overseas in search of new additions to the Gilas Women pool for the upcoming tourneys.
From there, Aquino was able to put up a mix of reliable veterans and young rising stars that will don the white and blue colors of Gilas.
Debuting members of the team are Kristine Cayabyab, Karl Ann Pingol, Camille Clarin, and Ella Fajardo while holdovers from the past team are Afril Bernardino, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Clare Castro, Ria Nabalan, Janine Pontejos, Mar Prado, and Andrea Tongco.
“We have all the amenities we need, from the gym to the basketball court and even a pool, so we’re all excited to put in the work. We have not been together as a team for a while now, so this is a chance for us to rebuild our chemistry with each other,” said Aquino.
