Next target for Gilas women program is to reclaim SEAG gold

MANILA, Philippines — The hard work continues for the successful Gilas women’s program following its masterful conquest of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup Division B in Shenzhen, China last week.

Program director Pat Aquino said the Gilas women (senior) take over when they see action in the Jones Cup in Taiwan set July 13 to 21 and the pre-qualifiers for the next FIBA World Cup set in Rwanda scheduled Aug 19 to 25.

“Then there’s the next SEA Games (2025). Kailangan makuha ulit natin ang gold sa SEA Games,” Aquino told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Aquino and head coach Julie Amos graced the forum along with the members of the U18 team that swept Division B of the Asia Cup and earned a spot in Division A for 2026.

The development was welcome news for the Gilas program after its senior team, the Gilas women, previously made it to Division A as well as the U16 team in the Asia Cup.

“This is the future of our women’s basketball. Tingin ko wala na akong problema for the next years or so. We should continue the program for the 16-under and 18-under with the help of SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) president Al Panlilio and executive director Erika Dy,” said Aquino.

However, Amos, a former key player for the national team, said all but one of the members of this U18 team will no longer be eligible for 2026.