Youngsters join Gilas vet trio in Final 12 for FIBA World Cup pre-qualifying tilt
At A Glance
- Gilas Women youngsters Kristan Geyl Yumul and Naomi Panganiban made the cut and joined national team veterans Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos in the Finals 12 for the FIBA World Cup pre-qualifying tournament in Rwanda from Aug. 19 to 25.
Gilas Women youngsters Kristan Geyl Yumul and Naomi Panganiban made the cut and joined national team veterans Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos in the Finals 12 for the FIBA World Cup pre-qualifying tournament in Rwanda from Aug. 19 to 25.

Yumul and Panganiban are making their debut to the seniors team, having been both part of the Gilas girls teams in the past, joining the veteran trio who are expected to once again lead the Filipinas as they vie for the lone ticket to the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament.
Joining the five are Khate Castillo, Stefanie Berberabe, Ella Fajardo, Camille Nolasco, Kacey Dela Rosa and Louna Ozar.
Gilas, ranked 40th in the world, is facing a tall task after being drawn in Group C with world No. 8 Brazil, No. 16 Hungary and No.25 Senegal.
The Filipinas need to finish within the top 2 of its group to advance to the tournament semifinals where they could face the Group D teams composed of world No. 21 Great Britain, No. 31 Argentina, No.51 Lebanon and No.71 Rwanda.
Winner of the tournament will advance to the qualifiers where they will be pitted against 22 other teams determined by results in the FIBA Women's Continental Cups 2025. Only 16 teams from the qualifying tournament would advance to the 2026 World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
As for Gilas, the journey to the World Cup begins with the clash against Brazil on the opening day on Aug. 19 before immediately taking on Hungary the next day. The Filipinas then take a break before wrapping up the elimination round against Senegal on Aug. 22