Gilas Pilipinas Women will enter the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament with a clear understanding of the challenge ahead — and a pair of imposing weapons in the middle.
Jack Animam and Kacey Dela Rosa will headline a youthful but experienced Philippine lineup as the Nationals prepare for their campaign in Guadalajara, Mexico from August 18 to 24.
The duo will form the foundation of Gilas Women’s interior game, with veteran leaders Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos providing additional experience alongside Filipina-American Vanessa de Jesus, a former Duke University standout.
Kent Pastrana, Louna Ozar, Jhaz Joson, Angel Surada, Monique Del Carmen, Alyssa Rodriguez, and young gun Sophia Dignadice complete the squad.
For new head coach Burke “BT” Toews, the tournament represents his first major test at the helm of the national team.
The Canadian coach is aware that Gilas Women will be facing a difficult road in Group B, where the Philippines will go up against host Mexico, Canada, and Senegal in a single-round robin format.
Rather than setting unrealistic expectations, Toews is choosing to focus on what his team can control — particularly when the Philippines faces opponents it believes it can challenge.
“It would be great to win the Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Mexico, but that’s going to be a huge hurdle for us. It would be, I think, world news if it happened,” admitted Toews.
“You’ve got Canada in there. But there are teams in our pool that are definitely beatable. And so that’s what we focus on. And the first game is against the hosts,” he added.
That opening assignment against Mexico could immediately set the tone for the Philippines.
The world No. 30 team begins its campaign on August 18 against the hosts before facing powerhouse Canada on August 20. Gilas Women will then wrap up the group stage against Senegal on August 21.
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The format leaves little room for a slow start. With only one game against each opponent, every possession and result could carry significant weight in the race for the top two spots.
For the Philippines, the path to the semifinals will likely require a combination of Animam and Dela Rosa’s presence inside, the veterans’ composure, and contributions from a group of players looking to establish themselves on the international stage.
Canada presents the biggest obstacle on paper, but the Philippines’ immediate priority is Mexico.
A strong opening performance would not only give Gilas Women an early boost in the standings but also provide Toews with an indication of how quickly his system can translate against international opposition.
The tournament may be a difficult first assignment for the new coach, but it also offers an opportunity for Gilas Women to measure just how far the program has come.
The goal is straightforward: finish among the top two in Group B and earn a place in the semifinals.
The road to that goal, however, begins against the hosts in Guadalajara.
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