The rebuilding of the women’s basketball program under Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is beginning to take clearer shape, and the federation’s latest move signals a stronger focus on long-term development rather than quick fixes.
At the center of that direction is Sandy Arespacochaga, who has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Women Youth.
The veteran tactician now takes charge of the national girls squad preparing for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers set from June 2 to 6 in Bacolod.
Rather than simply filling a coaching vacancy, SBP’s decision appears rooted in building continuity within the national program.
Arespacochaga brings years of experience from different levels of Philippine basketball, from collegiate success with the Ateneo Blue Eagles to professional experience as an assistant coach with NLEX Road Warriors and TNT Tropang 5G, where he has remained part of the coaching staff since 2019.
He also carries international experience after previously handling Batang Gilas in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, giving him familiarity with youth development and international competition.
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#WATCH: BACON, SANDY IN
SBP Head of Communications Carlo Pamintuan announced that Bacon Austria is now the women’s basketball program director, while Sandy Arespacochaga will take over Gilas Girls
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Preparations for the regional qualifiers are already underway. Earlier, tournament officials and delegates conducted inspections of the competition venues in Bacolod, including the STI West Negros University Gymnasium and the Bacolod City Multi-Purpose Center and Skate Park (MICES Gym), which will serve as the practice facility.
The inspections focused on ensuring the venues meet international standards, particularly in playing conditions, athlete accommodations, and spectator readiness.
While the youth program begins its transition under Arespacochaga, SBP is also expected to announce the new head coach for the senior Gilas Pilipinas Women squad within the next few days.
According to SBP head of communications Carlo Pamintuan, the federation is already in the final stages of discussions. He explained that several terms have already been agreed upon.
At the same time, Pamintuan clarified speculation involving former Japan women’s national team coach Tom Hovasse.
“SBP had a conversation with former Japan coach Tom Hovasse but never in an interview setting and he never applied. He was not considered, but his input as a reference was valued,” said Pamintuan.
The federation, however, openly acknowledged that Japan’s sustained success in women’s basketball has become one of the benchmarks they hope to follow.
“Japan has a strong women’s program. They’re no. 3 in Asia and we want to emulate the same success as Japan had. We’ve seen their results and the search queued towards that direction,” he said.
For SBP, the recent coaching changes appear less about immediate results and more about creating a system capable of competing consistently in Asia, starting from the youth ranks all the way to the senior national team.
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