THE presence of the FIBA Asia Cup trophy hopefully inspires the Gilas Pilipinas Women The team in their endeavor to achieve greater milestones at this year's event in Shenzhen, China.
Coach Pat Aquino showed hope that the Lady Cagebelles can maintain their position in Division A and possibly secure a spot in the FIBA World Cup.
It's an arduous challenge for Gilas as they face continental heavyweights Australia and Japan, alongside Lebanon, during the group stages of the competition scheduled from July 13-20.
"We are enthusiastic about our upcoming endeavors. We simply hope that all goes according to plan," stated Aquino at the press conference for the Asia Cup Trophy Tour, which has been in the nation since late Saturday evening.
Our aim isn’t merely to remain in Group A; we must start competing. This is the primary goal for our team.
Even amidst the potential absence of key figures like Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, and Chack Cabinbin due to their commitments as serving members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the positive outlook remains undiminished.
Pontejos and Cabinbin are affiliated with the Philippine Army, whereas Bernardino belongs to the Philippine Navy.
The Samahan Basketball ng Pilipinas Executive Director, Erika Dy, admitted that since the group is associated with the military, they must obtain permission from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to allow the three players to join Gilas.
Well, the SBP is indeed working closely now with the AFP and the Department of National Defense regarding this situation," Aquino acknowledged. "That's how things are progressing, and we hope everything proceeds as planned.
Otherwise, we're still getting ready for that.
However, the great news is that renowned actor Jack Animam has arrived in the nation right after completing her engagement in Europe and will be linking up with the squad following a brief respite.
Similarly, Fil-Am player Vanessa de Jesus, formerly a point guard for Duke, is currently playing for Notre Dame.
The other members of the Gilas women's squad who attended the Trophy Tour event at Buffalo Wings N' Things located at MAAX Grounds inside the Mall of Asia include Monique del Carmen, Louna Ozar, Trina Guytingco, Bernardino, Naomi Panganiban, Khate Castillo, Pontejos, Ella Fajardo, Sumayah Sugapong, Kent Pastrana, Angel Surada, and Yvette Villanueva.
Aquino’s team includes Ramon Garcia, Julie Amos, and Paolo Gorospe, with Magnum Membrere serving as the team manager.
The Gilas women aim to secure at least the third seed position within their group and progress to the subsequent stage.
The top six teams following the conclusion of the tournament will secure their spots in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup held in Germany.
The Asia Cup trophy is presently located in Malolos, Bulacan, and will be transported to various universities in Manila including National University, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo, and De La Salle up until Thursday.
The Asia Cup trophy originating from Manila will be traveling next to Hong Kong and subsequently reaching Shenzhen. Before this, it made appearances in Nagoya and Seoul.
Before participating in the FIBA Asia Cup, the Gilas women’s team will also take part in the Jones Cup from July 2-6.