A throng of college students from National University—male and female alike—peeked through the sliding glass door of the Buffalo’s Wings ‘N Things at the Mall of Asia Arena Complex in Pasay after initially and casually just passing by the place on a hot but timid afternoon yesterday.
Their curiosity piqued, the guys and gals’ eyes widened when they saw a shining trophy inside the dining area. Most importantly, they were left in awe when they spotted the Gilas Pilipinas women’s squad huddled and wearing immaculate white polo shirts.
They will dump those outfits for the national team jerseys in two big international tilts next month—armed and ready to prove they have what it takes.
“I think that’s the vision we are aiming for. I think it’s very important to say what we can do right now, and we will do our best,” Gilas women’s coach Patrick Aquino said during the Philippine stop of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Trophy Tour. “I know the girls are excited and well-motivated, especially at this point.
“We are excited about what we can do next and we just hope that, you know, everything falls into place,” he added.
The Filipina belles will see action in the Jones Cup from July 2 to 6 in Taiwan and the FIBA Asia Cup from July 13 to 20 in Shenzhen, China.
The belles of Aquino are bracketed with fancied Asian counterparts like Australia, Japan, and Lebanon, needing to wind up at least as the third-ranked side to reach the next round.
That will also guarantee the Gilas women at least a sixth-place finish that will allow them to clinch a berth to the FIBA Women’s World Cup next year in Berlin, Germany and stay in Division A.
Ace center Jack Animam and Fil-Am guard Vanessa De Jesus are expected to spearhead Gilas women’s charge in the likely absence of key players Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Chack Cabinbin, and Andrea Tongco due to military service.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy said the trophy will make its way to UAAP schools and its stay in Manila should all the more boost the Nationals.
“The trophy’s not going to all the countries that are participating in the Asia Cup so we feel very special that it is in Manila right now,” the amiable cage body official said. “It’s very important no, and we at the SBP believe that to see is to believe. This is why we always like hosting events, bringing them to our shores.
“So that not only our players can see what kind of competition is out there, but even the fans and the young players who are growing up and one day dream to play for the Gilas teams.”
After all his wards left, Aquino, who previously steered the Lady Bulldogs to six straight crowns, bid adieu to the remaining reporters and SBP staff with exciting words.
“May practice pa kami ng 2 p.m.”
