At A Glance
- The Gilas Pilipinas women's team is no longer just looking at keeping its Division A status but is also now aiming at achieving new heights in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup set next month in Shenzhen, China.
The Gilas Pilipinas women's team seeks more firepower to make heads turn in the FIBA Asia Cup. (Reynald Magallon)
The Gilas Pilipinas women's team is no longer just looking at keeping its Division A status but is also now aiming at achieving new heights in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup set next month in Shenzhen, China.
After a string of encouraging performances highlighted by their showing in the last FIBA Asia Cup where they avoided relegation, as well as how they managed to hold their ground in the FIBA Women's World Cup pre-qualifying tournament in Rwanda, the Filipina dribblers are optimistic that they can be more competitive in this year's edition.
“I think that's the vision we are aiming for,” said head coach Patrick Aquino during the kick off press conference of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup trophy tour in the country at the Mall of Asia Complex on Monday, June 16.
“I think it's very important to say what we can do right now, and we will do our best. I know the girls are excited and well motivated, especially at this point. We are excited about what we can do next. And we just hope that, you know, everything falls into place,” he added.
Though Gilas faces a tall order after being bunched with Asian powerhouses Australia, Japan and Lebanon in the group stage, the Nationals are hoping to finish at least as the third seed in the group to be able to advance to the next round.
On top of that, that would also assure Gilas at least a sixth place finish which would allow them to earn a ticket to the FIBA Women's World Cup.
Aquino was joined by the members of the Gilas women's team and staff along with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy, who revealed that the trophy will be toured around UAAP schools.
“The trophy’s not going to all the countries that are participating in the Asia Cup so we feel very special that it is in Manila right now.” said Dy.
The trophy had previous stops in Seoul, South Korea and Nagoya, Japan before arriving in the country. It will be then brought to Hong Kong for its final stop before it will be returned to Shenzhen for the tournament proper.