SBP taps Canadian as women’s coach

MANILA, Philippines —  The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team enters a new era ahead of its historic hosting of the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.

Canadian Burke Toews was named as the new head coach of the Philippine women’s basketball team yesterday by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, completing the transition from long-time tactician Pat Aquino.

Toews, known as BT and multi-titled mentor in Japan for a decade, became the SBP’s pick from a bevy of candidates after a thorough hunt since parting ways with Aquino last March.

“After months of searching across continents and with more than a dozen applicants, the SBP selected a Canadian coach based in Japan to lead the squad,” announced the SBP.

Gilas under Aquino blossomed as one of the best teams in Asia and the SBP is expecting to continue that winning tradition and elevate the women’s basketball to new heights with the seasoned Toews, who boasts a decorated 30-year coaching career.

In Japan, he steered the Fujitsu Red Waves in the Women’s Japan Basketball League to back-to-back championships, including the title in the All-Japan Championship.