Gilas belles aggressive in recruitment program

MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team looks forward to the return of seasoned anchor Jack Animam and the debut of Fil-Am ace Mai-Loni Henson in a busy 2022 campaign.

And Gilas coach Pat Aquino is eyeing more Fil-foreign talents to beef up the team that is to defend its crown in the Hanoi SEA Games in May.

“We’ve been very aggressive with our recruitment program in preparation for 2022. There’s a lot of promising Fil-Am players that are willing to help out and represent the country,” said Aquino who is to fly back to the United States in February.

“I’ll check on the players who could potentially play this year,” he added.

At least seven prospects are in the Gilas list led by former WNBA training camp signee Chanelle Molina from Washington State U.

Also in consideration are Pepperdine’s Malia Bambrick, Westmont College’s Stephanie Berberabe, George Washington’s Aurea Gingras, Kiera Oakry of San Diego, California and Laila Phelia of University of Michigan.