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3 Fil-Am prospects inch closer to making it to Gilas Women
This early, the Gilas Pilipinas Women program is already laying out the foundation for the future.
Head coach Patrick Aquino bared to GMA News Online that they are looking to tap the services of youthful Filipino-American cagers in Kai Oani, Kristan Yumul, and Kate Bobadilla.
This is after Oani finally received her dual citizenship and both Yumul and Bobadilla acquired their Philippine passports, making them eligible to suit up for the nationals come future major international events.
"They are still young but have very good potential to be a Gilas member," Aquino said.
Aquino chanced upon the three during his scouting trip in the United States where the Fil-Am Nation Select, an organization founded by Chris Gopez and San Miguel Beer veteran guard Alex Cabagnot, held a training camp last December.
At first glance, Aquino said he was impressed by the skills shown by Oani, Yumul, and Bobadilla and that Gilas Women could use gems like them in the future.
Oani, Yumul, and Bobadilla will be groomed to take Philippine women's basketball to greater heights.
The 15-year-old Oani, whose mother was born in Quezon City while her father is a US citizen, is currently in ninth grade at St. Joseph High School in Illinois. In a post by Fil-Am Nation Select, the 5-foot-4 cager is hoping to play in both the Philippines and US.
Bobadilla, meanwhile, is tipped to bring in more skills to the national team. Standing at 5-foot-8, the 16-year-old Fil-American is presently suiting up for the Twentynine Palms High School, where she's currently in 11th grade.
"An opportunity to open doors for our ladies here in the US, and being able to wear the 'Philippines' jersey would be an honor. Looking forward to playing for the Philippines," Bobadilla said, as quoted by Fil-Am Nation Select in March.
Yumul is also tipped to provide more backcourt support.
The 5-foot-8 guard is currently in 10th grade in Westlake High School but according to Gopez, the 16-year-old is in the process of making a transfer to Oxnard High School and will have to sit out this season.
"All three girls have high potential for the Gilas team," Gopez told GMA News Online.
Aquino beamed with excitement over the arrival of the trio, who can complement what the current members like Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, and Danica Jose bring to the table.
"Gritty and really they have talent. They want to prove something and would like to represent our country," Aquino said.
The multi-titled head coach from National University also revealed that they are now working to have other Fil-Ams Vanessa de Jesus, Kayla Padilla, and Mai Loni Henson receive their Philippine passports.
—JMB/MGP, GMA News
