GETTING an up-close look at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup trophy, the Gilas Pilipinas Women understand what it takes and are now focused on defying the odds.
The trophy made its tour stop at the Mall of Asia Arena Complex on Monday. Beyond just keeping their place in Division A, the Gilas Women have their eyes set on a bigger prize: ensuring the trophy remains in Manila.
Though the team is still gradually assembling everything they need for the Asia Cup next month in Shenzhen, China, Monique del Carmen shares that seeing the trophy firsthand adds extra motivation for the squad.
“Right now, I’m nervous and excited seeing the trophy so close, here with us. It’s like we’re already in the FIBA event against those powerhouse teams,” Del Carmen told a media during the press conference.
“Hopefully we make it in the Top Six and qualify for the World Cup. That’s the very important goal right now but we also hope we can get the chip and we hope this (trophy) stays in Manila,” she added.
Next Woman Up
It’s uplifting to see the team in high spirits even with the absence of veterans Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Chack Cabinbin, and Andrea Tongco, who are unavailable for the tournament due to military duty.
Meanwhile, Gilas Women head coach Pat Aquino has confirmed that Jack Animam and Vanessa de Jesus are set to join the squad soon as they intensify preparations for the upcoming William Jones Cup and Asia Cup.
“Jack is gonna be there. Jack is just resting for a while, I think she had a six-month grueling season in Romania and it’s okay, let her body rest and come back fresh and ready to go,” Aquino said.
Animam delivered an impressive season with FCC UAV Arad in Romania’s Liga Natională, putting up averages of 19.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 1.9 assists across 22 games, including the playoffs, helping her team secure a bronze-medal finish.
On the other hand, De Jesus, the Filipino-American guard tapped to occupy the naturalized player spot for Gilas, was initially set to arrive in the Philippines earlier this month, but her travel was postponed due to academic responsibilities.
“She’s arriving next week,” Aquino said. “Actually she was supposed to come early… but unfortunately, she went on the transfer portal, from Duke to Notre Dame and Notre Dame told her she had to stay.”
“Sabi niya, ‘I had to go there but I’ll be there.’ Very happy din na she committed. She had a good showing in the last FIBA Asia Cup, hopefully again with new ones, we’ll never know,” he went on to share.
Before heading into battle in China, the Gilas Women will first see action at the William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei from July 2 to 6, then proceed straight to the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup set for July 13 to 20.
