New name, same big dream for cagebelles

MANILA, Philippines — From now on, the national women’s basketball team will be called the Gilas Hiraya.

“We just want to give them an identity of their own, create their own aspiration in Philippine basketball,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy in yesterday’s media briefing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum media room.

The new name, of course, was derived from an old Tagalog word that means the fruit of one’s hopes, aspirations or dreams, which rings true of the Hiraya’s goal of accomplishing what has never been done before in women’s basketball – make the Olympics.

“The dream, of course, is the Olympics,” said SBP women’s basketball project director Bacon Austria.

One of Hiraya’s major supporters is the UAAP, which has moved its schedule and allowed its players to suit up for the national team in international competitions, not just women’s basketball.

“As long as it’s possible, we will always do that so that athletes won’t have to choose (between) playing in the UAAP or national team,” said UAAP board member and Far Eastern U athletic director Mark Molina.

“That’s the commitment of the UAAP, to support the SBP and all the national teams as much as possible, basta kaya,” he added.

Also in the presser were UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag and Hiraya standouts Kacey dela Rosa and Amaya Espanol.

“We’re thankful that this happened, we’re really excited we have a name and excited for what’s going to happen,” said Dela Rosa.