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Tag: Gilas Pilipinas

  • Gilas Pilipinas veteran Jack Animam heads to Poland, signs with Energa Torun

    Gilas Pilipinas veteran Jack Animam heads to Poland, signs with Energa Torun

    Jack Animam’s latest destination now takes the Gilas Pilipinas Women standout back to Europe, where she will suit up for Energa Torun in the 2026-27 Orlen Basket Liga season following a championship campaign in Japan.


    Animam arrives in Poland with momentum after helping Denso Iris capture the Women’s Japan Basketball League (WJBL) championship. 

     

    The triumph came after Denso defeated the Toyota Antelopes in four games, with Animam starting in the series-clinching victory to cap a memorable season.

     

    The move also marks a return to familiar territory. Before her stint in Japan, the 6-foot-4 center played for FCC UAV Arad in Romania in 2025 and has steadily built one of the most extensive international careers among Filipino basketball players. 

     

    Her passport already includes professional stops in Serbia with Radnicki Kragujevac, France with Toulouse Metropole Basket and USO Mondeville, China with Wuhan Shengfan, and Australia with the Ringwood Hawks.

     

    Long before becoming a sought-after import overseas, however, Animam established herself as one of the best players in UAAP women’s basketball. 

     

    As one of the centerpieces of the National University Lady Bulldogs, she helped build one of the league’s most dominant dynasties, leading NU to five straight championships from Seasons 78 to 82. Along the way, she collected Rookie of the Year honors in 2015, the Most Valuable Player award in 2017, and Finals MVP in 2018.

     

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    Her success at the collegiate level naturally opened the door to a long national team career. Wearing the colors of Gilas Pilipinas Women, Animam has represented the country in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, FIBA 3×3, and the Southeast Asian Games, becoming one of the program’s cornerstone players. 

     

    She was instrumental in the Philippines’ breakthrough campaign at the 2019 SEA Games, where the country captured gold medals in both the women’s 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball competitions on home soil.

     

    Her championship run in Japan further reinforced her reputation as one of the Philippines’ premier exports. 

     

    Joining Denso Iris for the 2025-26 campaign, Animam quickly became part of a historic season as the club claimed its first-ever WJBL championship. Now carrying that winning experience into another competitive European league, the Filipino star begins yet another chapter of a career defined by embracing new challenges.

     

    With another overseas contract secured, Animam’s journey continues to reflect not only her own growth as a player but also the increasing presence of Filipino women’s basketball on the global stage. 

     

    As she prepares for her debut with Energa Torun, she brings with her the experience of winning championships and leading the national team.

     

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  • Chot Reyes confirms beach training has long been a staple of Philippine basketball preparation

    Chot Reyes confirms beach training has long been a staple of Philippine basketball preparation

    The Ateneo de Manila University community and the Philippine basketball fraternity continue to mourn the devastating loss of two promising student-athletes following the deaths of men’s basketball players Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

     

    The tragedy, which occurred on Monday, June 8, has sent shockwaves across collegiate sports, drawing heartfelt tributes from teammates, coaches, alumni, sports organizations, and basketball fans nationwide. The incident has also sparked renewed discussions about safety protocols during off-court training activities, particularly those conducted in natural environments.

     

    According to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3), initial reports indicated that Adili and Baterbonia were participating in water-based activities when they were reportedly swept away by strong currents into deeper waters. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and have urged the public to refrain from speculation while fact-finding efforts remain ongoing.

     

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    The heartbreaking event has also prompted veteran coaches and basketball figures to reflect on the role of beach and water-based training in modern conditioning programs. Among those who addressed the issue was former Gilas Pilipinas head coach and current TNT Tropang 5G mentor Chot Reyes, who spoke candidly during an appearance on GMA 7’s Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.

     

    Reyes explained that beach training has long been a staple in basketball conditioning, not only in the Philippines but in various training programs around the world, because of the physical benefits it provides.

     

    “Alam mo, sa sports, not only in basketball, beach training is very effective resistance training. ‘Yung tumatakbo sa bugangin, as against running on regular surfaces. That really promotes stronger footwork, greater cardiovascular endurance. So, maraming gumagawa niyan. We do that. Several times na kami nagpabalik-balik. Difference beaches,” Reyes said.

     

    He emphasized that conditioning methods are carefully integrated into a team’s overall preparation, with different phases designed to build endurance, improve strength, and eventually allow players to recover before competitions.

    “There are, in the entire training pedagogy, if you want to call it, there are times where you have to go to really hard training and then there’s a cycle where you have to rest a little bit in preparation for the actual tournament. So there are different means. Water training is not new,” he added.

     

    Drawing from decades of coaching experience, Reyes revealed that he had incorporated water-based exercises into his own programs as early as his first coaching stint in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). However, he stressed that safety has always been a top priority whenever his teams conducted outdoor training sessions.

     

    According to Reyes, his teams limited water activities to shallow areas, using knee-deep water strictly as a form of resistance during conditioning drills rather than for swimming exercises.

     

    “Sa akin, we have done a lot of activities in beach areas. Sa akin, my teams, we just limit them to running sa buhangin. Not really going into the water. And they were not swimming or, you know, panglangoy kasi sa dami, hindi naman sila swimmer. But it was just that they were, the objective was to put them in knee-deep water to provide more resistance to the activities, whatever, the calisthenics or the activity that they were doing.

     

    “So it’s always a combination of doing those activities. We call that, you create shared memories. That’s how teams are built,” Reyes concluded.

     

    Beyond the physical benefits, Reyes underscored the importance of team-building activities in fostering trust, camaraderie, and chemistry among players—qualities that often translate into stronger performances on the court. He noted that shared experiences outside of basketball can help build the bonds that successful teams rely upon throughout a long and demanding season.

     

    Following the incident, Ateneo de Manila University issued an official statement confirming that the Blue Eagles were conducting a strength and conditioning session in knee-deep water as part of their scheduled team-building program. The university said the players were unexpectedly caught by large waves and powerful currents, resulting in the tragic accident.

     

    As investigations continue, the loss of Adili and Baterbonia has left an immeasurable void within the Ateneo community and Philippine collegiate basketball. Their passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from schools, athletic organizations, former players, and coaches, while also encouraging renewed conversations about risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and safety measures during outdoor training sessions.

     

    For many in the local basketball community, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that while innovative training methods and team-building exercises remain valuable components of athlete development, ensuring the safety and well-being of student-athletes must always remain the highest priority.

     

     

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  • After ending Ginebra’s drought, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario embrace new challenge 

    After ending Ginebra’s drought, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario embrace new challenge 

    For most players, winning a championship comes with a chance to slow down, celebrate, and finally catch their breath.

     

    For RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario, it meant packing their bags for national team duty.

     

    Just days after helping Barangay Ginebra end its three-year title drought in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the two Gin Kings traded championship festivities for Gilas Pilipinas practice, joining the national squad as preparations intensified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The transition from champions to national team players happened almost instantly.

     

    Rather than extending the celebration following Ginebra’s dramatic seven-game Finals victory over TNT, Abarrientos and Rosario reported for Gilas duties on June 22, becoming part of a squad now preparing for difficult road assignments against New Zealand and Australia.

     

    For Abarrientos, the decision required little thought.

     

    “Unang-una, hindi ka mapapag-no kapag tinawag ka ng Gilas Pilipinas at para maglaro sa bayan,” he said.

     

    “There’s no reason para magpahinga at ilaban itong window na ito.”

     

    The star guard has emerged as one of the brightest young faces in Philippine basketball. After earning Best Player of the Conference honors and playing a major role in Ginebra’s title run, he could have easily opted for recovery after a physically demanding season.

     

    Instead, he viewed the call-up as another opportunity.

     

    “Hindi lahat ng players ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magsuot ng jersey at i-represent ang kanilang bansa,” Abarrientos said on playing for Gilas.

     

    “Very blessed, thankful ako na part pa rin ako dito sa Gilas with the other guys.”

    Rosario’s path to the Final 12 carried a different significance.

     

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    The veteran forward had previously served as a practice player during earlier qualification windows, waiting patiently for an opportunity to earn a roster spot. This time, the opportunity arrived.

     

    “Sobrang blessed kasi I was part of the Gilas two windows na practice player and to be called up for the Final 12 ay isang malaking karangalan,” Rosario said.

     

    His promotion came at a time when many players would still be enjoying the aftermath of a championship run.

     

    Instead, Rosario quickly shifted gears.

     

    “Medyo nag-e-enjoy pa ako sa pagse-celebrate ng championship sa Ginebra,” Rosario said.

    “Pero may call eh. Kailangan kong i-postpone muna ‘yung celebration to focus sa preparation dito sa upcoming window.”

     

    The sacrifice highlights the challenge many Gilas players face—balancing club commitments with the responsibility of representing the country.

     

    Now in Brisbane, Australia, Gilas is undergoing an overseas training camp designed to help the team acclimatize before taking on two of the toughest opponents in the region. The Philippines faces New Zealand in Auckland on July 3 before traveling to Perth for a showdown against Australia on July 6.

     

    For Abarrientos and Rosario, the champagne celebrations have already been replaced by scouting reports, practices, and preparation.

     

    The championship may have been won, but another challenge has already begun.

     

     

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  • adidas gives Gilas-inspired Anthony Edwards 2 a Filipino identity

    adidas gives Gilas-inspired Anthony Edwards 2 a Filipino identity

    For years, Filipino basketball fans have celebrated international stars who embraced the country’s hoops culture.

     

    Now, one of basketball’s fastest-rising global icons is getting a shoe that embraces the Philippines right back.

     

    adidas Philippines has officially unveiled the Anthony Edwards 2 “Magpakitang Gilas,” a special edition colorway that transforms the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s latest signature sneaker into a tribute to the country’s deep-rooted basketball passion.

     

    More than just another regional release, the pair represents a growing recognition of the Philippines as one of basketball’s most passionate markets.

     

    The shoe immediately wears its inspiration on its sleeve. Red and blue hues taken from the Philippine flag dominate the design, while a gradient collar fading from sky blue to white mirrors the colors often associated with the country’s identity. 

     

    Subtle details continue the storytelling, including a modified SPH logo on the tongue and premium gridded suede panels replacing the standard mesh construction found on other Anthony Edwards 2 releases.

     

    At the heart of the project is its name.

     

    “Magpakitang Gilas” is a phrase deeply embedded in Filipino sports culture, often used to challenge athletes to showcase their best and prove themselves on the biggest stages. It is a fitting slogan for both Edwards, whose fearless style has made him one of the NBA’s most electrifying young stars, and for a basketball nation that thrives on big moments.

     

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    The release arrives at a time when global brands are paying closer attention to the Philippines’ influence on the sport. While sneaker giants continue to compete for the attention of Filipino fans, the creation of a Philippines-exclusive Anthony Edwards signature shoe highlights just how valuable and visible the local basketball scene has become.

     

    The connection to Gilas Pilipinas became even more evident when national team standout Mike Phillips was spotted wearing the pair during the squad’s FIBA Qualifiers send-off event, giving fans an early glimpse of the sneaker before its official unveiling.

     

    For Filipino basketball enthusiasts, the shoe represents more than style. It reflects how the country’s basketball culture continues to earn recognition from some of the sport’s biggest brands and personalities.

     

    The adidas Anthony Edwards 2 “Magpakitang Gilas” is set for release on June 26 through adidas Philippines channels and select partner retailers. As of now, the special colorway is expected to remain exclusive to the Philippine market, making it one of the most uniquely local basketball sneaker releases of the year.

     

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  • Gilas hopes Brisbane stay sharpens team for World Cup qualifiers 

    Gilas hopes Brisbane stay sharpens team for World Cup qualifiers 

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the road to Auckland and Perth begins in Brisbane.

     

    Rather than heading straight into two of their toughest assignments in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the national team is investing in something it believes could make the difference when the games matter most: preparation.

     

    The Philippines departs for Australia on Tuesday for a training camp in Brisbane, where Gilas will not only get valuable practice time but also a chance to adapt to the winter conditions and play tune-up games, including one against NBL side Brisbane Bullets.

     

    With New Zealand and Australia waiting on the other side of the trip, head coach Tim Cone sees the camp as more than just another stop on the schedule.

     

    “We know it’s going to be tough,” Cone said during Gilas’ send-off press conference on Monday. “We’ve been a team that’s pulled surprises before, and I’m not going to be surprised if we pull a surprise.”

     

    Cone emphasized that confidence starts with preparation, especially against opponents that have consistently been among the strongest teams in the region.

     

    “I think that’s really good preparation for us,” he said. “Every game for Gilas is a championship game. It’s a Game 7.”

     

    “A prepared team is a confident team. If we feel like we’re prepared and ready to go, then we’re going to be confident,” Cone added.

     

    The camp also addresses a challenge that often goes unnoticed—adjusting to a completely different environment before tip-off.

     

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    Gilas program director Alfrancis Chua pointed out that acclimatizing to Australia’s winter weather is one of the key reasons behind the early trip.

     

    “It’s winter there right now, so malaking bagay sa mga bata,” Chua said. “At least makaka-adjust na sila, ‘yung katawan nila.”

     

    The Philippines enters the third window with a 2-2 record in Group A and has already secured a place in the next phase of qualification. Still, the upcoming games offer an opportunity to build momentum and measure themselves against two teams expected to contend for top spots in the region.

     

    Gilas faces New Zealand in Auckland on July 3 before traveling to Perth to take on unbeaten Australia on July 6.

     

    For a team chasing another World Cup appearance, Brisbane represents more than a training camp—it is the starting point of a mission to prove it can compete with Oceania’s best on their own turf.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee quickly shifts focus from Ginebra title to Gilas duty 

    Justin Brownlee quickly shifts focus from Ginebra title to Gilas duty 

    For most players, winning a championship is followed by a period of rest, for Justin Brownlee, it is simply time to move on to the next responsibility.

     

    Fresh from another title-winning campaign with Barangay Ginebra, the naturalized Filipino star is already turning his attention to Gilas Pilipinas as the national team prepares for a pair of challenging road games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The transition comes quickly. Less than a week after battling through a seven-game PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against TNT, Brownlee is once again preparing for meaningful basketball—this time carrying the hopes of an entire country.

     

    Yet the veteran forward insists motivation has never been an issue.

     

    “No matter how you’re feeling, you always find your energy,” said Brownlee during Gilas Pilipinas’ send-off press conference on Monday at the FilOil Centre.

     

    The timing of the call-up highlights a unique reality in Brownlee’s basketball life. He has become a central figure for both Barangay Ginebra and Gilas Pilipinas, often moving directly from one high-pressure environment to another with little time in between.

     

    Fortunately for Brownlee, the adjustment is made easier by the familiarity of the system under head coach Tim Cone, who guides both Ginebra and the national team.

     

    “We pretty much run a similar system, but there’s a lot more talent. Guys are more athletic,” said Brownlee.

     

    Still, what keeps him eager to suit up for Gilas goes beyond tactics or continuity.

     

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    While Brownlee has built a special relationship with Ginebra supporters over the years, he believes representing the Philippines brings an even greater sense of responsibility.

     

    “Playing for Ginebra is truly a blessing, truly special. And playing for the National Team is even more special because you represent the whole country,” he said.

     

    “There are already a lot of fans with Ginebra, but playing for the National Team is also a big deal.”

    Brownlee now joins a Gilas squad heading overseas for a training camp in New Zealand, where the team will play tune-up games against the Manawatu Jets and Franklin Bulls before returning to official competition.

     

    The Philippines faces New Zealand on July 3 before taking on Australia on July 6 as it wraps up its first-round campaign in the Asian Qualifiers.

     

    For Brownlee, the challenge is another opportunity to do what he has done throughout his Philippine basketball journey—answer the call whenever it comes.

     

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  • PBA moves toward FIBA alignment after rule review meeting with coaches and SBP officials

    PBA moves toward FIBA alignment after rule review meeting with coaches and SBP officials

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), led by commissioner Willie Marcial, has taken a significant step toward aligning its rulebook with international standards following a formal meeting with franchise coaches, team officials, and representatives from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Monday, June 22.

     

    The discussion, which Marcial confirmed with members of the media, focused on a series of proposed and upcoming adjustments intended to bring the league’s playing rules closer to those used by FIBA. Among the key topics tackled were situational foul interpretations, proper screen-setting techniques, and the potential replacement of traditional jump ball situations with a possession arrow system.

     

    The move is seen as part of a broader initiative to ensure smoother transitions for players who regularly shift between PBA duties and international commitments with Gilas Pilipinas, where FIBA rules are strictly enforced.

     

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    Gilas Pilipinas program director and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team governor Alfrancis Chua was among those present at the meeting. He expressed support for the direction being taken by the league, noting the challenges players face when adapting between two different rule environments.

     

    “Kasi ‘yung adjustment, talagang malayo. Every time we play, pagdating sa PBA, iba ‘yung fouls dito, iba ‘yung fouls dito, iba ‘yung fouls doon,” Chua said, highlighting the inconsistencies players encounter when switching between domestic and international play.

    While the league is pushing toward greater FIBA alignment, Marcial clarified that certain distinct PBA rules will remain unchanged. These include the league’s 12-minute quarters, the implementation of the four-point line, and the six-personal foul limit for players—features that continue to distinguish the PBA from other international leagues.

     

    The discussions form part of an ongoing evaluation of league rules, with further refinements expected to be introduced in upcoming conferences. Officials emphasized that any changes will be implemented gradually, ensuring teams and players have sufficient time to adapt.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone, who also mentors Barangay Ginebra, welcomed the proposed direction, stressing the importance of adaptability among players as the national team continues to compete on the international stage.

     

    “Players are gonna have to start the conference with an open wind. You learn to adjust,” Cone said, underscoring the need for flexibility as athletes transition between domestic and FIBA-style competition.

     

    Cone’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the national team setup, where consistency in rules is viewed as a key factor in improving the Philippines’ competitiveness in international tournaments.

     

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team is next scheduled to see action in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Gilas Pilipinas will face New Zealand on July 3 before taking on Australia on July 6, two crucial matchups that will test the team’s readiness against top-tier regional opposition.

     

    With the PBA’s ongoing reforms and Gilas’ international campaign approaching, basketball stakeholders view the alignment effort as a critical step toward strengthening the country’s overall basketball program.

     

     

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  • Fresh from Ginebra’s championship run, Tim Cone trusts Gilas in crucial road tests 

    Fresh from Ginebra’s championship run, Tim Cone trusts Gilas in crucial road tests 

    As Gilas Pilipinas prepares for another daunting stretch in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, head coach Tim Cone is placing his trust in his players.


    The national team enters the third qualification window carrying the weight of recently concluded professional campaigns. Several players are coming off demanding seasons in the PBA and overseas leagues, while Cone himself has just guided Barangay Ginebra San Miguel through a grueling run to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

    Yet rather than viewing fatigue as a concern, the veteran coach sees a group that remains eager for one more challenge.

     

    “Well, we know it’s going to be tough. We’re looking forward to it. You know, we’ve been a team that’s pulled surprises before, and I’m not going to be surprised if we pull a surprise,” Cone said.

     

    The Philippines faces arguably its toughest assignment of the qualifying cycle with back-to-back road games against New Zealand on July 3 and Australia on July 6. Gilas has yet to defeat either side in the current World Cup qualifying campaign, falling 69-66 to the Tall Blacks last February and suffering a 93-66 loss to the Boomers in March.

     

    Those results underscore the size of the task ahead, but Cone believes preparation could help narrow the gap.

     

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    The national team will spend valuable time in Brisbane before the qualifiers, allowing the players to adjust to conditions and build cohesion through training and tune-up games.

     

    “But I like the way the SBP has set it up for us in terms of being able to go down to Brisbane and acclimatize ourselves to the weather a little bit, get a camp down there and then play a couple of friendlies against pro New Zealand teams,” the veteran coach added.

     

    At the heart of Gilas’ campaign is a championship-tested core from Ginebra. Best Import of the Conference Justin Brownlee, Best Player of the Conference RJ Abarrientos, and veteran forward Troy Rosario arrive carrying the momentum of their title-winning run.

     

    For Cone, that existing chemistry may prove just as valuable as talent when facing two of Oceania’s basketball powers.

     

    “I’m not tired from the finals. I’m ready to get going, so I think our guys are all ready to get going, too,” Cone said.

     

    Beyond the Ginebra contingent, Gilas will also lean on a mix of established stars and overseas-based standouts. PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo joins Chris Newsome, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justin Baltazar, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao in a roster designed to blend experience, versatility, and familiarity.

     

    One of the most intriguing additions is Mike Phillips, who steps into an expanded role with Quentin Millora-Brown and Kai Sotto unavailable for the tournament.

     

    Rather than selecting players solely based on individual ability, Cone emphasized that every roster spot is determined by fit within the team’s system.

     

    “We don’t just look at the talent and say, you know, he’s the most talented player there, therefore we’re going to get him. We try to make him come in and fit the puzzle of the vision that we have for the team,” Cone said.

     

    “And Mike does that in terms of his, you know, his name is Motor Mike, and there’s a reason why he’s Motor Mike. It’s very apt, that nickname.”

     

    Despite their recent losses to New Zealand and Australia, Gilas can draw confidence from previous success. The Filipinos defeated New Zealand during the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, a reminder that the gap can be closed on the right night.

     

    With three Group A spots available in the second round, the upcoming window presents more than just a chance to improve their standing. 

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liano reunites with familiar faces in Gilas call-up 

    Juan Gomez de Liano reunites with familiar faces in Gilas call-up 

    Juan Gomez de Liano’s  latest Gilas Pilipinas call-up is about more than replacing an injured player on the roster.

     

    It is also about reconnecting with teammates whose basketball journeys have been intertwined with his for years.

     

    After being named as Scottie Thompson’s replacement for Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Gomez de Liano finds himself sharing the national team locker room once again with Justine Baltazar and RJ Abarrientos—two players who were part of a memorable chapter in Gilas history.

     

    “Super excited,” he said during the team’s send-off press conference at the FilOil Centre.

     

    The trio were members of the young Gilas squad assembled by Tab Baldwin in 2021, a team that earned praise for its performances in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and later competed in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia.

     

    While that group has since gone its separate ways across different leagues and teams, Window 3 offers a rare opportunity to bring those connections back together.

     

    Among the reunions, Gomez de Liano’s partnership with Baltazar may be the most familiar.

    The two first became teammates during the Asia Cup Qualifiers bubble in Bahrain at the height of the pandemic. Years later, they now share the same colors once more—not only in Gilas but also with Converge in the PBA.

     

    Having spent significant time together on the court, Gomez de Liano believes that chemistry could prove valuable for the national team.

     

    “The last time we represented the country was when we went to Bahrain during the pandemic,” recalled the former KBL and B.League import.

     

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    “Now we’re teammates not just with Gilas but in Converge in the PBA.

     

    “Super excited. I’m very familiar with how he plays; I know his spots, I know how to get him going. Just blessed to be here with Balti as well.”

     

    Abarrientos brings a different dynamic to the reunion.

     

    The two recently found themselves on opposite sides of a heated PBA playoff battle, with Abarrientos helping Barangay Ginebra capture the Commissioner’s Cup championship after an impressive conference that earned him Best Player of the Conference honors.

     

    Now, instead of competing against each other, they will work toward the same goal.

     

    Gomez de Liano believes Abarrientos’ growth since their previous Gilas stint has made him an even more valuable piece for the national team.

     

    “The impact RJ brings, he won the Best Player of the Conference this last conference,” Gomez de Liano said.

     

    “He’s very smart, and he creates for others as well. I think we play really well together … Super excited.”

     

    As Gilas prepares for difficult road assignments against New Zealand and Australia, familiarity may become one of its biggest strengths.

     

    For Gomez de Liano, the upcoming qualifiers represent another opportunity to contribute to the national team. But they also serve as a reminder of how far he and his fellow 2021 Gilas standouts have come—from promising young prospects to established professionals now being called upon once again to represent the country on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Gilas Women’s Vanessa De Jesus finds new path in WKBL with Busan BNK after WNBA draft miss

    Gilas Women’s Vanessa De Jesus finds new path in WKBL with Busan BNK after WNBA draft miss

    Vanessa De Jesus’ journey to professional basketball has taken another major turn. After chasing a dream on one of the biggest stages in women’s basketball through the WNBA Draft, the Gilas Pilipinas Women standout is now set to begin a new chapter in South Korea’s Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL).


    The Filipino-American guard will make her professional debut with Busan BNK Sum in the 2026–27 season, bringing with her the experience of competing at the collegiate and international levels.

     

    De Jesus spent five seasons playing for Duke University before finishing her college career with Notre Dame. She later declared for the 2026 WNBA Draft, hoping to become one of the newest players to break into the world’s premier women’s basketball league, but ultimately went undrafted.

     

    For De Jesus, the move to Busan comes as BNK looks to bounce back after a difficult 2025–26 season. The club, which won the 2024–25 WKBL championship, finished fifth the following year and fell short of another deep playoff run.

     

    With De Jesus entering the lineup, BNK gains a guard who has experience playing in high-pressure environments. Her presence could provide a boost in ball movement, perimeter scoring, and leadership as the team aims to return to championship contention.

     

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    The 5-foot-8 guard has already built a strong connection with the Philippines, representing Gilas Women in two editions of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. 

     

    Her ability to create plays, handle pressure, and compete against elite international opponents made her one of the notable names in the national team pool.

     

    Joining De Jesus in the WKBL is fellow Gilas Women standout Alexis Pana, who is set to suit up for defending champion Cheongju KB Stars.

     

    Pana arrives in South Korea with a résumé shaped by years of international exposure. The 5-foot-9 guard has played professionally in Romania, Germany, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Australia, giving her valuable experience across different styles of basketball.

     

    The Filipino-Hawaiian guard also made her mark closer to home, leading Pilipinas Aguilas during the inaugural WMPBL tournament two years ago. 

     

    She also represented Gilas Pilipinas Women in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, adding another layer to her international background.

     

    Pana joins a Cheongju KB Stars team coming off a title-winning campaign in the 2025–26 WKBL season. The reigning champions add another versatile guard who can contribute defensively while also bringing international maturity to an already competitive roster.

     

    The arrival of De Jesus and Pana highlights the growing pathway for Filipino women’s basketball players overseas. Their WKBL move is not just another professional opportunity, it is another step in expanding the presence of Gilas Women talents on the Asian basketball stage.

     

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