Silver, World Cup, LA 2028?

MANILA, Philippines — Two medals in two weekends did more than fill a trophy case. They changed the conversation.

After a historic silver at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup and a return trip to Singapore that ended with two wins over the host and a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Warsaw, the Gilas women are no longer a developmental story. They are an Olympic story.

The target is spoken out loud: Los Angeles 2028.

“I can’t praise them enough. They not only exceeded expectations but also demonstrated that it’s possible,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Ricky Vargas of the latest achievement of the Gilas belles bannered by Afril Bernardino and Kacey dela Rosa.

The fighting Pinays edged the Singaporeans, 21-19, in pool play then repeated with a 21-10 rout in a do-or-die match Sunday to progress from the last World Cup qualifier and crack the world meet set June 1-7 in Poland. Gilas is joining an elite cast that includes three-time winner US and one-time titlists France, China, Czech Republic, Italy and the Netherlands.

“Their achievements have given us a reason to believe,” said Vargas.

The road to the LA Games is narrow and unforgiving. Only 12 teams make the cast, with the US seeded as the host. Five slots go to the top-ranked nations from America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Everyone else fights through the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Vargas isn’t flinching at the odds. “The women’s 3x3 team has shown exceptional growth, signaling strong program development, SBP commitment, and valuable international exposure that elevates our talent ID – the foundation for Olympic dreams,” he said.

“Their quick adaptation to fast, high-pressure 3x3 play echoes (secretary-general Erika Dy) Erika’s dream: our best chance lies in sustained development, wider talent pools, and relentless belief from every supporter.”

Belief is now attached to a blueprint, and Gilas 3x3 program director Ryan Gregorio is holding it.

“Keep them in tournaments to earn ranking points. The goal is to make the Olympics,” Gregorio said. “No turning back.”

That means Manila 3x3 Challenger next, then the World Cup in June, then every FIBA stop that moves the Philippines up the board.

Before the Singapore WC qualifier, the Philippines (with 788,363) is No. 5 in Asia/Pacific behind China (2,028,327), Mongolia (1,307,395), Japan (1,181,733) and Australia (882,950).