Afril, Kacey lead Gilas 3x3 pool

MANILA, Philippines — Afril Bernardino and Kacey dela Rosa are the standard-bearers of the 13-strong Gilas pool from where the players will be chosen to represent the country at the FIBA Women’s 3x3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland, on June 1-7.

Coach Anton Altamirano said in the pool are Bernardino, Dela Rosa, Camille Clarin, Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Kaye Pingol, Cheska Apag, Gabi Bade, Camille Malagar, Amyah Espanol, Jam Meniano, Louna Ozar and Elizabeth Means. At the FIBA Women’s 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore two weeks ago, the Philippine team was made up of Bernardino, De la Rosa, Cacho and Apag. Ferrer replaced Apag on the squad that saw action at the World Cup qualifiers in Singapore last weekend. In both jousts, Gilas made history by finishing second at the Asia Cup and qualifying for the World Cup by virtue of competition.

Altamirano described Bernardino as the country’s icon in women’s basketball and credited SBP 3x3 director Ryan Gregorio for bringing her to the 3x3 pool from 5x5. Bernardino, 30, was named to the FIBA Asia Cup mythical three in Singapore. Altamirano also cited De la Rosa who at 22, has been named UAAP women’s basketball MVP twice. He said it’s rare for a “big” like the six-foot Dela Rosa, dubbed “Dangerosa,” to blossom into a do-it-all player who can dribble, drive, post up, shoot, score, rebound, pass and defend at multiple positions.  

Altamirano said Gilas is in a “good spot” to pursue a slot in the expanded 12-team women’s 3x3 event at the 2028 LA Olympics. “Five slots, one for Asia, will be allocated based on federation ranking points, one will be for the host and the last six will be picked from four Olympic qualifying tournaments (from March to June, 2028),” said Altamirano. “Our participation in the World Cup will enhance our ranking points.”

Before the World Cup, the Gilas women’s 3x3 team will join the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China on April 22-30, the FIBA 3x3 World Series in Chengdu on May 1-2, Manila on May 7-8 and Shanghai on May 16-17 and the FIBA Asia Pacific U21 and U23 Nations League. “We’ll also play in the Asian Games so the calendar will keep us busy the whole year,” said Altamirano.