WITH four first-time players on the Gilas Pilipinas women squad set to do battle in the 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A tournament, veterans Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos are embracing the role of mentors.
“Iyong sinasabi lang namin sa kanila, matuto lang sila every day,” Bernardino said on the sports show The Game.
“Gawin lang nila iyong gusto nilang gawin and iyong mga advice ni coach Pat sa mga plays, mga options na puwede gawin, additional na lang iyon,” she added.
Pontejos agreed with Bernardino, saying she is looking forward to linking up with her new Gilas women teammates.
“Mas nakaka-excite kami panoorin kasi first time namin sila makakasama, first time rin nila kami makakasama,” Pontejos said.
The Pat Aquino-mentored belles left the country last Tuesday night and arrived yesterday in Amman, Jordan for the Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 event.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas was able to gain clearance from the Batangas LGU to hold a training camp early this month.
The team stayed in JET Hotel while holding practice at the Summit Point Golf & Country Club.
Early in the camp, the Gilas women’s practices were on and off as typhoon “Jolina” ravaged the country. But when the weather conditions cleared, it was all business for the Gilas women team.
Aside from Bernardino and Pontejos, the likes of Clare Castro, Andrea Tongco, Chack Cabinbin, Ria Nabalan, and Mar Prado are out to lead the nationals’ charge.
Completing the squad are rookies Ella Fajardo, Camille Clarin, Ann Pingol, and Kristine Cayabyab.
Gilas tangles with world No. 7 China on Sept. 27 before it collides with No. 3 Australia on the 28th and No. 34 Chinese-Taipei the next day.
