Youth will be the centerpiece of the Gilas Pilipinas Women as the 12-player lineup is unveiled for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
Gilas Pilipinas Women will be bannered by young stars as they vie against the region’s best at the upcoming FIBA Women’s Asia Cup set in Shenzhen, China next week, with a spot in World Cup qualifiers at stake.
Two-time UAAP MVP Kacey Dela Rosa will be joined by UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP Cielo Pagdulagan in the 12-woman lineup, which is still headlined by Vanessa de Jesus and long-time Gilas stalwart Jack Animam.
With a number of veterans unavailable due to clearance issues with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, head coach Pat Aquino is going with a core made up of UAAP stars.
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UST’s Kent Pastrana will make her debut with the national team, joining fellow collegiate players Louna Ozar of UP, Angel Surada of NU, and Yvette Villanueva of FEU.
Veteran guards Khate Castillo and Ella Fajardo add experience to the fold, while youth team products Naomi Panganiban and Sumayah Sugapong complete the lineup.
The Philippines will be up against stiff competition as they attempt to stay in Division A.
Gilas plays in Group B against powerhouses Australia and Japan, along with Lebanon.
They will be vying for a spot to the qualifying tournament of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany and will need to finish in the top six of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup to clinch a spot in the qualifiers.
Gilas Women will open their campaign in China against the Opals on July 13, Sunday. They then face Japan on July 14, before finishing the group stage against Lebanon on July 16.