Gilas Women’s Basketball Team head coach Patrick Aquino admits it is going to be an uphill climb for his team at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Jordan, starting this week.
The quality of the competition is high with four Asian countries, which made it to the Top 10 in the last Tokyo Olympics, namely silver medalist Japan, also the defending champion here, China, Australia and Korea, entered in the tournament.
The Philippines is in Group B with Australia and Chinese Taipei.
“Whatever group we were, it would not have made a difference, both groups are equally strong, with Japan and Korea in Group A, plus New Zealand and India. Honestly, I am not expecting much from this tournament as far as performing well, as long as our players give it their all in every game, I will be happy,” said Aquino.
He also listed the factors against his team.
“We are playing with some of the world’s best teams, we lack preparation because of the pandemic, two weeks lang kami dito sa Lipa City, we have grown smaller with Jack Animam taking a leave and we do not have a Fil-Am player with us now,” he added.
Mai-loni Henson, a 6’1” Fil-Am from Washington University and currently playing as an import in France, was eyed for the team, but her schedule could not allow it.
The only thing that may work for Aquino is the fact he has a several new and young players in the team, who have not been scouted by the opposition.
“We may have grown smaller, but I think we will be faster,” said Aquino, who will be relying a lot on his veterans built around Afril Bernardino, court general Chack Cabinbin and shooter Janine Pontejos, who promised to give their best.
Aquino, however, is hoping this stint can rekindle interest in women’s basketball.
