Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 6) — The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team is on the hunt for its own naturalized player for future international tournaments.
“We had a go signal from President Al, and very thankful kami na [we’re thankful] to get a naturalized player also so it will be a very busy trip for me to go from east coast to west coast,” national team head coach and program director Pat Aquino said, referring to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio.
Aquino said he is set to leave for the United States next week to begin scouting for potential candidates and possibly tap more Filipina talent.
“It’s an all around player who can really help us rebound, playing defense, scoring,” the coach said.
The development comes in the midst of their counterpart’s naturalization of two-time PBA best import Justin Brownlee. The American player for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is only a few steps away from gaining Philippine citizenship.
The Gilas Women’s team is preparing for a busy 2023 season that will include competition in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Asian Games, FIBA Asia Cup, and FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup.
The team, which will also welcome star cager Jack Animam back from an ACL injury, is also aiming for a historic 3-peat in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games after dominating the 30th and 31st editions of the regional meet.
A training camp is also being eyed for the Gilas Women in Australia and Taiwan to further boost their campaign next year.
