The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is looking forward to announcing its new foreign coach, who will be tasked to guide Gilas Pilipinas Women as the federation makes a big push to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

SBP executive director Erika Dy bared plans to bring in a foreign coach to elevate the level of play in the distaff side, a decision discussed with former head coach Pat Aquino, who handled the women’s squad for more than a decade.

“It’s really an upgrade. I mean, coach Pat [Aquino] has been doing very well for the Gilas Women. So if we would have gone to a Filipino coach, still be it,” said Dy on Monday, May 4.

“Nagusap kami ni Coach Pat. We felt we needed to bring Gilas to another level. It’s been a while already since we've gone further than what we’ve achieved in Southeast Asia,” she added.

Dy disclosed that the SBP has a shortlist of more than 10 candidates for the head coaching position, all set to be interviewed this week. The applicants came from Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, the United States, and Australia.

Dy revealed that no Filipino coaches have expressed interest in the role.

Also part of SBP’s strategic move is the country’s hosting of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup next year, which could serve as a pathway for the Nationals en route to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) if they secure a Top Four finish in the continental showpiece.

If their plans take a different turn on the road to the City of Angels, they will shift their focus to the 2032 Brisbane Games in Australia with hopes of having already a strong foundation.

“Siyempre ‘yong pinaka-goal natin is ‘yong LA 2028. But, we know that it’s a hard turn over [with] just two years to prepare. So if ever we don’t make it to LA, dapat naka-foundation na siya to make it to Brisbane 2032,” Dy continued.

“So iyon naman talaga ang dream nating mga Filipino, to bring basketball back to the Olympics,” added Dy, who also shared that hiring a foreign mentor aims to ensure neutrality among local clubs and would avoid controversy in the selection process.

Last March, Aquino, who was once a collegiate multi-titled and national U19 mentor, bade farewell to Gilas Women before taking over as the chief tactician role of the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA. During his tenure, the Nationals won three golds and one silver in the SEA Games.

With Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos as seniors, Gilas Women have bevy of talents -- a mix of seasoned and young guns -- in the likes of Jack Animam, Sofia Dignadice, Vanessa de Jesus, Kacey Dela Rosa, Sofia Dignadice, Stefanie Berberabe, Louna Ozar, and Sumayah Sugapong, to name a few, to flaunt against the globe's finest dribblers.