By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team’s series of international stints, the women’s team will now have their chance to showcase what their skill as they are ready to kick off their training at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
The Gilas women will be preparing for two successive international tournaments: the 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Amman, Jordan and the 2021 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup to be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
After coach Patrick Aquino’s tryouts in the United States, the roster for the women’s squad has been finally formed with top prospect Ella Fajardo from Division I school Fairleigh Dickinson University leading the pack.
The former guard in Gil St. Bernard’s will be seeking to have a spectacular debut with the national team after averaging 13.35 points, 2.85 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.42 steals during her high school stint.
Backstopping Fajardo are Filipina rising stars Ann Pingol, Kristine Cayabyab, and Camille Clarin who will double-duty for the national team as they will represent PH in the 3×3 tournament.
Completing the roster who will set foot in Calamba are Afril Bernardino, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Clare Castro, Ria Nabalan, Janine Pontejos, Mar Prado, and Andrea Tongco.
The Philippines will be aiming for a favorable finish in the upcoming Asia Cup as they will be tested huge against New Zealand, Korea, Japan, India, China, and Chinese-Taipei.
