Gilas women following right path

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas women’s team aims to follow the blueprint of the Gilas men’s team in terms of tedious preparations to achieve the same success when it returns to action this year after an extended hiatus due to the pandemic.

Inspired by the impressive campaign of Gilas men’s in the just-concluded FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Gilas women’s squad mentor Pat Aquino said his wards are raring to start their own training camp for the resumption of international events in the coming months.

“We would like to have the same preparation going into the tournaments. Preparation is the key for success,” Aquino told The STAR.

Aquino eyes the same grind for the Gilas women’s team in preparation for the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup, FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

“I’m just excited to see what leads us to the future. I hope we can start practicing also in our preparation for the coming months,” added Aquino, who will meet with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) leadership to finalize their training camp.

Expected to banner the Gilas women’s pool are veterans Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos.