The Gilas Pilipinas U18 team (PNA photo by Jesus M. Escaros Jr.)
MANILA – After winning the FIBA U18 Asia Cup Division B title in Shenzhen, China last week, the Philippines will be setting its sights on the Jones Cup this month and the qualifying tournament for the FIBA World Cup in August.
The Gilas women’s senior team will see action in the Jones Cup set in Chinese Taipei on July 13 to 21, and the pre-qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup in Rwanda scheduled from Aug. 19 to 25.
“Then there’s the next SEA (Southeast Asian) Games (2025). We need to get the gold medal again in the SEA Games,” Gilas women's program director Patrick Aquino said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Also present were head coach Julie Amos, U18 players Ava Fajardo (captain), Naomi Panganiban, Margarette Duenas, Sophia Canindo, Gabby Ramos, Reyes, Alyssa Rodriguez, Alicia Villanueva, Audrey Lapasaran, Ashlyn Abong, Jolzyne Impreso, and Venice Quinte, and former champion coach Ryan Gregorio, now serving as special assistant to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president.
The U18 champion team was promoted to Division A for 2026 after sweeping Division B of the Asia Cup.
“This is the future of our women’s basketball. I see no more problem for the next years or so. We should continue the program for the 16-under and 18-under with the help of SBP president Al Panlilio and executive director Erika Dy,” Aquino said.
However, all members of the U18 team, except for Tiffany Reyes, are no longer eligible to play in 2026.
The 13-year-old Tiffany, who stands 5 feet 11 inches, is the daughter of former PBA player Jay-R Reyes.
“Only one (Tiffany) will be left, so I hope the SBP continues to help us,” said Amos, a former national player.
“But we have a good problem because more players are asking how they can join the team. It’s just a matter of identifying the talents that will fit the program.”
The promotion of the U18 team to Division A did not surprise Aquino, who played for the UP Fighting Maroons.
“We were expecting it. I knew the girls can do it. And it’s a mark for us now around Asia that we can play against the level of China, Japan, and Korea,” said Aquino, who steered the National University women's team to six straight titles in the UAAP.
“I hope that someday they can all represent the senior team. They have talents, they can do more. And hopefully, we’ll find new faces who will continue with our program. We have a big pool now. It's getting bigger." (PNA)
