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Tag: Gilas Pilipinas Women

  • SBP turns to Japanese league champion Burke Toews to lead Gilas Women’s next era 

    SBP turns to Japanese league champion Burke Toews to lead Gilas Women’s next era 

    For the first time in more than a decade, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is handing the future of Gilas Pilipinas Women to a completely new voice.

     

    And it is a voice shaped far away from Philippine basketball.

     

    After months of quietly searching overseas for the right fit, the SBP officially named Burke Toews as the new head coach of the national women’s team, signaling the federation’s intent to push the program toward a more international direction.

     

    Toews arrives with a résumé built in Japan — one of Asia’s strongest basketball systems — where he spent the last decade establishing himself as one of the winningest coaches in the women’s professional game.

     

    The Canadian mentor recently wrapped up a highly successful run with the Fujitsu Red Wave, steering the club to back-to-back league championships in 2024 and 2025 while also capturing consecutive All-Japan titles.

     

    More importantly, his success was not built overnight.

     

    Across 10 seasons with Fujitsu, Toews transformed the Red Wave into a consistent title contender, leading the team to five finals appearances while earning three Coach of the Year awards along the way.

     

    Long before that, he also guided the Hyogo Storks to a JBL2 championship in 2013.

    Now, the challenge becomes entirely different.

     

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    Toews takes over a Gilas Women program entering a transition period after the end of the long tenure of Pat Aquino, who spent 12 years helping elevate the national team into a respected force in Southeast Asia.

     

    Under Aquino, Gilas Women produced some of the biggest milestones in program history, including a breakthrough appearance in the Women’s World Cup qualifiers in France and multiple strong finishes in regional competitions.

     

    But with Aquino now moving to the PBA as head coach of Blackwater Bossing, the federation chose to reset the direction of the program rather than simply continue the old system.

     

    According to the SBP, Toews emerged as the choice after an extensive global search involving more than a dozen applicants from different countries.

     

    The hiring also reflects the federation’s growing admiration for Japan’s basketball development model — a system known for discipline, player movement, and long-term continuity.

     

    Now, the responsibility of translating that success to the Philippine setup belongs to Toews.

     

    And with Gilas Women already coming off some of the biggest breakthroughs in its history, expectations may arrive much faster than the usual rebuilding process.

     

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  • Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas begins new era for Gilas Pilipinas Women after Pat Aquino exit 

    Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas begins new era for Gilas Pilipinas Women after Pat Aquino exit 

    A major reset is quietly unfolding inside the Gilas Pilipinas Women program.

     

    For years, the national team’s rise had been closely tied to the leadership of Pat Aquino — the longtime architect behind some of the country’s biggest breakthroughs in women’s basketball.

     

    Now, with Aquino officially out as head coach, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas appears determined to steer the program toward a completely new direction ahead of a packed international calendar that includes the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in August and the Asian Games in September.

     

    Speaking to reporters on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, SBP Head of Communications Carlo Pamintuan revealed that the federation has already reached an agreement with Aquino’s replacement — though the official announcement is still pending the completion of contract formalities.

     

    “Two things: first, I want to officially say that Gilas Pilipinas Women has already agreed with its upcoming head coach. It’s a name that I cannot announce yet because we’re still finalizing the details of the contract,” Pamintuan said.

     

    “But a lot of the terms have already been agreed upon, and it will be announced, I think in the next two days after everything is signed. So we’re just waiting for the formality before we get to announce it.”

     

    What the SBP has already made clear, however, is the type of direction it wants to pursue.

    Instead of staying local, the federation intentionally leaned toward a foreign coach — a move heavily influenced by conversations with Tom Hovasse, the former Japan men’s and women’s national team mentor who famously guided Japan to a silver medal finish in the 2020 Summer Olympics women’s basketball tournament.

     

    According to Pamintuan, Hovasse was never officially considered for the role itself.

     

    Rather, the decorated coach served as a resource person during the search process as SBP attempted to study the blueprint behind Japan’s sustained success in women’s basketball.

     

    “In terms of Gilas Pilipinas Women, the SBP had a conversation with former Japan Women’s and Men’s head coach Tom Hovasse. But it was never in an interview capacity. He never applied for the job. He was not considered for the job, but his input as a reference was valued by the Federation,” Pamintuan shared.

     

    “We all know that Japan has a really strong women’s program. Currently, I believe they’re number three in Asia, including Australia, China, and Japan. And we want to emulate the same success as Japan. We’ve seen their results so that is why the search for Gilas Pilipinas Women Head Coach skewed towards that direction.” 

     

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    “So again, we really thank Coach Tom Hovasse for his input. We value everything that he shared with us. But the SBP wants to clarify that he did not apply for the job. He never interviewed for the job. We just were able to talk to him as a reference in terms of helping us find the best candidate we need in this specific time.”

     

    The changes within the program extend beyond the senior team.

     

    In another key development, Bacon Austria has been appointed program director for Gilas Women, adding another experienced Ateneo figure into the national team structure.

     

    Austria recently guided the Ateneo Blue Eagles to a breakthrough Final Four appearance in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament, finishing with an impressive 11-3 record.

    Meanwhile, veteran tactician Sandy Arespacochaga will take over the Gilas Youth Women program, replacing former head coach Julie Amos.

     

    For Arespacochaga, the appointment marks a return to familiar territory after previously serving within the national team setup during his earlier stint with Gilas Youth in 2019.

     

    “I think you have already kind of seen it, but Gilas Pilipinas Youth Women will be led by coach Sandy Arespacochaga. He has been running the practices with the team and they’re already deep in their preparations for their SEABA competitions this June,” Pamintuan said.

     

    The youth squad is currently preparing for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers set from June 2 to 6 in Bacolod.

     

    Taken together, the moves signal something larger than a simple coaching change.

     

    After years of gradual progress under Aquino, SBP now appears intent on reshaping the entire Gilas Women structure — from the senior squad down to the youth pipeline — in hopes of building a program capable of consistently competing with Asia’s elite.

     

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  • Gilas Women win historic silver, Gilas Men fall short in Asian Beach Games 3×3 

    Gilas Women win historic silver, Gilas Men fall short in Asian Beach Games 3×3 

    History was written in the sands of Sanya—even if it didn’t end in gold.


    Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 carved out their best-ever finish in the Asian Beach Games, claiming a silver medal after falling to host China, 21-13, in the finals. 


    While the loss closed their title bid, it also underscored a breakthrough performance that pushed Philippine 3×3 basketball to new heights.

     

    The quartet of Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Kaye Pingol came into the tournament as contenders—but left as standard-bearers. Their silver medal surpassed the program’s previous best bronze finish in 2012, signaling a steady rise on the continental stage.

     

    Their campaign was built on control and consistency. Gilas Women swept through pool play, dispatching Indonesia (15-11), Macau (21-9), and Kyrgyzstan (21-15) with authority. They carried that momentum into the knockout rounds, taking down Kazakhstan (16-11) and Singapore (20-13) to book a finals showdown.

     

    But in the championship, they ran into a tall and disciplined China side led by Fengyi Sun, Hengyu Yang, Junwei Cao, and Lili Wang—proving a tough puzzle they couldn’t quite solve.

    On the men’s side, the road was far less forgiving.

     

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    Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell short of the podium, bowing to China, 21-13, in the bronze medal match. 


    The team of Nic Cabanero, Jeff Manday, Gelo Crisostomo, and Sean Torculas had earlier proven they could match up with the hosts, even scoring a 21-18 win over them in pool play.

     

    They also picked up a 21-18 victory against Macau, though a 21-14 loss to Iran exposed early cracks. Still, the Filipinos fought their way to the semifinals with an 18-14 win over India, only to be edged out by Thailand, 20-18, in a tightly contested clash that denied them a shot at gold.

     

    In the end, the results told two different stories—but pointed to the same direction.

     

    For Gilas Women, it’s a leap forward and a new benchmark. For Gilas Men, it’s a reminder of how thin the margins are at this level.

     

    Either way, Philippine 3×3 basketball continues to gain ground—one possession, one game, and now, one historic medal at a time.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas Men and Women 3×3 secure semifinal spots in the 6th Asian Beach Games

    Gilas Pilipinas Men and Women 3×3 secure semifinal spots in the 6th Asian Beach Games

    Both Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s 3×3 squads carved out hard-earned paths to the semifinals of the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Sports Centre Stadium, keeping the country’s medal push alive in dramatic fashion.


    For the men, the road to the Final Four was anything but smooth. After clinging to an 11-8 edge against India, Gilas suddenly found itself on the back foot as momentum slipped away late. 

     

    But in a format where games can flip in seconds, Jeff Manday took control when it mattered most. He sparked a decisive 5-0 closing run, tying the game at 14-all with just 22 seconds remaining.

     

    Fouls drawn by Manday and Aldous Torculas proved costly for India, as the Filipinos calmly converted from the free-throw line. Torculas delivered under pressure, sinking crucial shots with 9.8 seconds left to push the lead to 16-14, before Manday iced the game for an 18-14 escape.

     

    “Although underdog kami, lumaban kami hanggang dulo. Thankful ako sa teammates ko, nagtatrabaho para sa bayan,” Manday said.

     

    That resilience now sets up a semifinal clash with Thailand, a familiar regional rival, as Gilas looks to turn survival into a shot at gold.

     

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    If the men relied on late-game poise, the women built their breakthrough on controlled aggression.

     

    Facing a taller Kazakhstan side, the Women’s team leaned into their advantage and speed. Instead of settling for outside shots, they relentlessly attacked the rim, forcing the defense to react and opening scoring opportunities.

     

    When Kazakhstan closed the gap to 12-11 midway through, the response was immediate. Tantoy Ferrer delivered a clutch basket to extend the lead to 14-11 with under two minutes left, before Mikka Cacho finished the job with back-to-back points, sealing a 16-11 victory and a semifinal berth.

     

    “Iyon nga, sa scouting report namin, more on outside shooting sila at mas malalaki sa amin. Alam naman namin na kahit mas maliliit kami, mas mabilis kami,” Ferrer said.

     

    Now, the quartet of Cacho, Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Kaye Pingol turns its focus to Singapore in the semifinals, carrying with them a formula built on pace and precision.

     

    With both squads advancing, Gilas doubles its chances of adding to the Philippines’ medal haul. The country currently sits third overall with eight medals (3 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), trailing Thailand in second with 22 total medals, and powerhouse China on top with 43 medals in the 6th Asian Beach Games. 

     

    More importantly, both teams have shown they can adapt, respond, and finish which matters the most with medals now within reach. 

     

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  • Gilas Women’s 3×3 turn defensive grit into statement sweep at Asian Beach Games 

    Gilas Women’s 3×3 turn defensive grit into statement sweep at Asian Beach Games 

    Momentum builds through stops, grit, and timely buckets. That was exactly the story for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s 3×3 team, who transformed a shaky opening into a commanding 21-15 victory over Kyrgyzstan to complete a clean sweep of Group C at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya.


    The Filipinas found themselves on the back foot early, as defensive miscues allowed Kyrgyzstan to dictate the pace. But instead of unraveling, the team leaned on experience. 

     

    Mikka Cacho and Tantoy Ferrer anchored the turnaround, chipping away at the deficit possession by possession. By the time Gabi Bade and Kaye Pingol found their rhythm late in the game, the tide had fully shifted.

     

    “Defense. Defense is going to be the key to helping us win all of these games. We just had to stay focused on defense, because our shots will come if we focus on defense. You know, we can’t underestimate any team. Every team is good. So we just have to come out and battle each game,” Bade said.

     

    Balanced scoring told the story of a team effort wherein Ferrer led the Philippine squad with eight points, Cacho followed with seven, Bade added five, and Pingol chipped in one crucial contribution. 

     

    More importantly, the win secured their place in the quarterfinals, where they now await the survivor of the Kazakhstan-Macao play-in clash.

     

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    While the women thrived on a perfect run, the Gilas men’s 3×3 team carved out a more complicated path to the same destination. 

     

    A 14-21 loss to Iran could have derailed their campaign, but earlier results proved enough to keep them on top of Pool A. Locked in a three-way tie with Iran and China, the Filipinos advanced as the No. 1 seed based on total points scored.

     

    Jeff Manday paced the men with eight points in their final outing, while Nic Cabañero added six—numbers that helped preserve their slim edge in the standings.

     

    “We accomplished our goal to top our pool. To be honest, the boys deserved to be here. They worked hard, and this is a blessing for us because of the hard work we put in from day one. I think this is big preparation for us going into the quarterfinals tomorrow,” Coach Patrick Fran said.

     

    For now, the spotlight belongs to the 3×3 squads—especially the women, whose defensive resolve turned early vulnerability into a defining statement. With the knockout stage looming, that identity may prove to be their strongest weapon yet.

     

     

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  • Gilas Women eye new direction as SBP looks overseas for next coach

    Gilas Women eye new direction as SBP looks overseas for next coach

    A transition is underway for Gilas Pilipinas Women—and it may come with a shift in identity.

     

    For years, the program has been defined by continuity, guided by a steady hand that helped elevate Philippine women’s basketball onto the regional and continental stage. Now, as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas begins its search for a new head coach, the direction appears to be leaning outward, with foreign candidates taking center stage in the selection process.

     

    SBP Executive Director Erika Dy confirmed that the federation is actively exploring its options, with interviews already underway.

     

    “Right now we’re still interviewing candidates. So far lahat ng na-interview namin foreign coaches,” Dy said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    The approach signals more than just a coaching change—it hints at a possible recalibration of the program, one that could introduce new systems, philosophies, and perspectives as Gilas looks to sustain its growth.

     

    For now, however, the details remain under wraps. “We will make the announcement when the time is right,” she added.

     

    Whoever takes over will inherit not just a team, but a legacy shaped by Pat Aquino, whose long tenure redefined what the national women’s program could achieve.

     

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    Over more than a decade, Aquino transformed Gilas Women into a consistent contender. Under his watch, the team captured three Southeast Asian Games gold medals and earned promotion to Level 1 in the FIBA Women’s Asia Championship—milestones that pushed Philippine women’s basketball into a higher tier of competition.

     

    He also guided the squad to the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France, marking a significant step onto the global stage.

     

    Now transitioning into a broader role focused on talent identification and grassroots development, Aquino leaves behind a foundation that the next coach must not only preserve, but build upon.

     

    The challenge, then, is twofold.

     

    First, to maintain the competitive standard that has been established. And second, to navigate the expectations that come with a program no longer seen as an underdog, but as a rising force in the region.

     

    With the search ongoing and a new voice on the horizon, Gilas Pilipinas Women finds itself at a crossroads—balancing continuity with change, and legacy with evolution.

     

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  • SBP commends UAAP’s influence on Gilas Women’s 3×3 breakthrough

    SBP commends UAAP’s influence on Gilas Women’s 3×3 breakthrough

    Long before the bright lights of international competition, the foundation was already being built in packed collegiate gyms and campus courts. 


    The recent breakthrough of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team isn’t just a story of a single tournament run—it’s the result of years of development rooted deeply in the UAAP system.

     

    Fresh off a historic podium finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 last April 5, the Philippines carried that momentum into the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers, where they punched their ticket to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 which marks the country’s return to the global stage for the first time since 2018.

     

    At the heart of this rise is a group of players whose journeys are tightly intertwined with the UAAP.

    Afril Bernardino, long considered a pillar of the program, once dominated for National University, collecting multiple MVP awards and recently earning a spot on the All-Asia Cup Team. Alongside her is Mikka Cacho, another product of the NU system, whose years with the Lady Bulldogs helped shape her into an international competitor.

     

    Kacey Dela Rosa who is a decorated name in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 formats—continues to evolve as a centerpiece talent from Ateneo. Meanwhile, UST’s Tantoy Ferrer and Adamson Universities’ Cheska Apag represent the pipeline still in motion, transitioning from standout collegiate and junior careers into the demands of international play.

     

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    For Erika Dy of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the connection is clear, a sustained success at the national level begins with consistent development at the collegiate level. 

     

    The UAAP has quietly become one of the federation’s most reliable talent sources, proving that structured competition can translate into global readiness.

     

    That sentiment is echoed by Ryan Gregorio, who highlighted how crucial that partnership has been.

     

    “We are proud to have the UAAP as a strong partner and stakeholder of the federation,” said Gregorio. “They have always been willing to help in national team-building and in developing the next generation of players who can compete at the international level,” Gregorio said.

     

    But the influence of the UAAP doesn’t stop at the collegiate ranks. Its investment in grassroots programs, particularly in women’s basketball—has created a steady pipeline, ensuring that the next wave of talent is already in development.

     

    UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag underscored that broader vision, “the UAAP is committed to invest in and grow women’s sports across all levels. From grassroots to the collegiate stage, we recognize equal importance as we create equal opportunities to sustain this momentum that our student-athletes are now showcasing on the world stage.

     

    What the recent World Cup qualification ultimately reveals is this: Gilas Women’s success is no longer built on isolated bursts of brilliance. It’s becoming a product of continuity—from high school leagues to college rivalries, and now, to international arenas.

     

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  • Afril Bernardino, Kacey dela Rosa headline Gilas’ new pool for 3×3 push

    Afril Bernardino, Kacey dela Rosa headline Gilas’ new pool for 3×3 push

    As Gilas Pilipinas Women gears up for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, the focus has shifted from short-term rosters to long-term sustainability. At the center of that vision stand two players from different generations, bound by the same responsibility: carry the standard and raise it even higher.

     

    Afril Bernardino and Kacey Dela Rosa headline a 13-player pool tasked to represent the country on the global stage from June 1-7, a mix that reflects both experience and evolution in Philippine women’s basketball.

     

    For coach Anton Altamirano, the group is more than just a selection—it’s a statement of direction.

    Joining Bernardino and Dela Rosa in the pool are Camille Clarin, Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Kaye Pingol, Cheska Apag, Gabi Bade, Camille Malagar, Amyah Espanol, Jam Meniano, Louna Ozar, and Elizabeth Means.

     

    Recent results have only strengthened belief in the program’s trajectory. The quartet of Bernardino, Dela Rosa, Cacho, and Apag turned heads at the FIBA Women’s 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore, finishing second in a breakthrough run. Shortly after, with Ferrer stepping in for Apag, the team secured a World Cup berth through the qualifiers—another milestone in quick succession.

     

    What makes this stretch more significant is how it has redefined roles. Bernardino, long recognized as a pillar in 5×5, has seamlessly transitioned into the faster, more physical demands of 3×3. Altamirano credited SBP 3×3 director Ryan Gregorio for making that shift possible, calling Bernardino the face of the country’s women’s basketball movement. Her selection to the Asia Cup mythical three only reinforced her impact in the new format.

     

    Alongside her is Dela Rosa, coming off an FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers Women’s Team nod, a rising force whose versatility is reshaping expectations for frontcourt players. At just 22, the two-time UAAP MVP has evolved into a complete weapon—equally comfortable initiating plays as she is finishing them.

     

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    Altamirano pointed out how rare it is to find a player of her size with the ability to handle, attack, and defend across multiple positions—qualities that make her an ideal fit for the unpredictability of 3×3.

     

    Together, they form the spine of a team that is no longer content with simply competing. It’s chasing something bigger.

     

    Altamirano believes the current momentum places Gilas in a strong position to contend for a spot in the expanded 12-team field for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

     

    “Five slots, one for Asia, will be allocated based on federation ranking points, one will be for the host and the last six will be picked from four Olympic qualifying tournaments (from March to June, 2028),” said Altamirano. “Our participation in the World Cup will enhance our ranking points.”

    That pursuit, however, leaves little room for downtime.

     

    Even before stepping onto the World Cup stage, Gilas is set for a packed international calendar—competing in the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, multiple stops in the FIBA 3×3 World Series across Chengdu, Manila, and Shanghai, as well as the Asia Pacific U21 and U23 Nations League.

    The grind doesn’t stop there. “We’ll also play in the Asian Games so the calendar will keep us busy the whole year,” said Altamirano.

     

    And that may be exactly what this team needs. Because for Gilas, the journey to Warsaw isn’t the destination—it’s part of a much bigger climb.

     

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  • Gilas Women punch FIBA 3×3 World Cup ticket with gritty win over Singapore

    Gilas Women punch FIBA 3×3 World Cup ticket with gritty win over Singapore

    The journey didn’t end with a silver medal—it demanded one more fight. Just a week after making history in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas women’s team found itself back on the same floor in Singapore, this time with everything on the line. No podium finish, no safety net—just one last ticket to the World Cup.

     

    And when the moment called for it, the Filipinas delivered.

     

    Behind a commanding 21-10 victory over host Singapore at the OCBC Arena on Sunday, Gilas secured the third and final berth to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland from June 1-7—completing a rapid rise from regional contender to global qualifier.

     

    This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement of resilience. The path to that moment had been anything but smooth. Despite topping Pool A with a split of results—including a tough 16-13 loss to Brazil—the Filipinas were forced into a crossover clash against Lithuania, where a 21-16 defeat denied them an outright World Cup slot.

     

    That loss could have derailed their campaign. Instead, it set the stage for redemption.

     

    Facing Singapore in a do-or-die battle for the final ticket, Gilas left no doubt this time. The game never tilted in the hosts’ favor as the Filipinas imposed their pace early and never let go.

     

    At the center of it all was a blend of experience and youth.

     

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    Afril Bernardino once again proved why she remains the heartbeat of the team, delivering crucial plays that steadied the group in high-pressure moments. Alongside her, Kacey Dela Rosa controlled the interior, turning the paint into a consistent source of advantage.

     

    For Bernardino, the moment carried deeper meaning. “I can’t imagine I’m still here playing,” she said. “But I don’t feel old because they gave me a chance to play with these young players.”

     

    That connection between generations defined this run. Mikka Cacho added four points in the win, even after briefly exiting due to a left knee scare before returning to finish the game—a reflection of the team’s refusal to back down. Reynalyn Ferrer rounded out the lineup, each player embracing their role in a performance built on collective effort.

     

    The victory also completed a sweep of Singapore in the tournament, following a tight 21-19 win in pool play a day earlier.

     

    More importantly, it marked the Philippines’ return to the 3×3 World Cup for the first time since hosting the event in 2018—a team where Bernardino was also a key figure.

     

    From that squad, she is now the lone holdover. What has changed is everything around her—the teammates, the journey, the expectations.

     

    What hasn’t is the fight. In the span of a week, Gilas Women transformed a historic silver medal finish into something even bigger: a chance to compete against the world’s best once more.

     

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  • Vanessa de Jesus takes WNBA shot after steady rise with Notre Dame, Gilas Women

    Vanessa de Jesus takes WNBA shot after steady rise with Notre Dame, Gilas Women

    For Vanessa de Jesus, the next step isn’t just a dream—it’s a decision. After years of building her game across college basketball and international play, the Gilas Pilipinas Women guard has officially declared for the 2026 WNBA Draft, signaling her intent to test herself at the highest level of the sport.

     

    The announcement, made Friday evening (Manila time), places de Jesus among the growing list of Filipina talents daring to break into the world’s premier women’s basketball league.

     

    Her journey to this point has been defined less by flashes and more by steady progression.

     

    In her final collegiate season with Notre Dame, de Jesus carved out a reliable role, averaging 8.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while helping power the Fighting Irish to an Elite Eight appearance. Their run ended against the University of Connecticut, but not before showcasing the guard’s ability to contribute in high-stakes situations.

     

    Her season had its standout moments. On November 11, 2025, de Jesus delivered her best outing—22 points, three rebounds, and three steals in a dominant 98–52 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson. It was the kind of performance that highlighted her scoring ability, but more importantly, her readiness to take control when needed.

     

    That composure carried into the postseason. Across four tournament games, she logged heavy minutes—33.5 per contest—while averaging 8.0 points and 3.8 rebounds, proving she could hold her own under pressure and against elite competition.

     

    Before Notre Dame, de Jesus also spent time with Duke University, adding another layer of experience to her collegiate résumé. Now at 24 years old and standing 5-foot-8, she brings a blend of maturity, versatility, and international exposure into the draft process.

     

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    And that international experience may be her biggest edge.

     

    De Jesus has been a consistent presence for Gilas Pilipinas Women, suiting up in the 2023 and 2025 editions of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A. In those tournaments, she didn’t just participate—she produced.

     

    Her breakout on that stage came in 2023, when she dropped 25 points, four assists, and two steals in a 92–81 win over Chinese Taipei, a performance that underscored her ability to deliver against top Asian competition. She finished that tournament averaging 12.8 points per game, ranking 10th overall.

     

    Two years later, she elevated that output to 13.2 points per game in the 2025 edition—good for ninth in the tournament—further cementing her reputation as one of the team’s most dependable scorers.

     

    Now, all of that builds toward a single moment. The WNBA Draft, set for Tuesday, April 14 (7:00 a.m. Manila time) in New York, will determine whether de Jesus’ steady climb translates into an opportunity at the next level.

     

    But regardless of the outcome, her declaration marks something bigger than a personal milestone.

     

    It’s another step forward for Filipino representation in global women’s basketball—and another player willing to take that leap.

     

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