Future looks bright for Gilas Women with revival of youth program

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Women have laid the foundation for the revival of a comprehensive national team program with the discovery of talented players in the youth ranks.

The future looks bright for the seniors squad after the likes of Kate Colyn Bobadilla, Louna Ozar, Sumayah Sugapong, and Liane Ashley Loon impressed for Gilas Girls in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship.

“It has been 10 years since the last program for the girls,” said Patrick Aquino, who resigned from his post as head coach of the NU Lady Bulldogs to focus on his role as project director and head coach of Gilas Women.

“[The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas] asked me to form a team this year for the under-16 and under-18 [tournaments].”

Aquino is tasked to recruit and develop Filipina hoopers from different parts of the world for the national squad.

For example, Loon – born in Basilan – lives in the United States, while Ozar – who traces her Filipino roots to her father – hails from France. (READ: A Gilas Girls homecoming for two Mindanaoans)

Aside from Loon, Ozar, Bobadilla, and Sugapong, Aquino secured the services of Kristan Yumul, Sydney Heyn, Candice Udal, and Camille Nolasco who comprised the core of the squad that snagged a Division B bronze in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship.

Despite falling short of its goal of getting promoted to Division A, the Philippines ended the tournament on a winning note by securing a podium spot with an 84-68 win over Samoa.

Aquino said the next plan is to go to various provinces and hold basketball clinics in order to discover new talents.

“The program was shelved the past two years because of the pandemic. But now, the players are coming out, so that is good for the program,” he said.

“That is the start of what we’re really doing, to have a list of players who we can utilize in the future.” – Rappler.com