12 hopefuls to grace Gilas Pilipinas Women tryout as Molina, de Jesus opt out

The Gilas Pilipinas Women US tryouts are all set for takeoff on June 4 and 5.

The event, which is a tie-up between the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Fil-Am Nation Select, could determine additional pieces that will compose the national team ahead of major international events like the 2021 SEA Games.

“Finding the best talent isn’t always easy, but when a great group of leaders come together for the goodness of their country, finding the talent becomes a bit easier,” said Fil-Am Nation Select in a post.

“We want to Thank the @samahangbasketbolngpilipinasorganization, Coach Pat Aquino @coach_pat_aquino and Mr Butch Antonio @butch_antonio for the partnership of creating opportunities for all the female hoopers around the world.”

Gilas head coach Patrick Aquino and Fil-Am Nation Select founder Cris Gopez will be at the helm of the two-day preliminary pool tryout that will be staged in La Verne, California.

Headlining the 12 hopefuls are Mai-Loni Henson, who played for four years in US NCAA Division I Basketball for the University of Washington, and Erica Cray, who is the sister of Filipino-American track and field ace Eric Cray.

Joining the two are Mel Isbell, Gabby Rones, Jessica Malzarte, Kiera Oakry, Stefanie Berberabe, Kayla Revelo, Malia Bambrick, Lynette Garon, Alina Daffon, and Nikki Villasin.

Ella Fajardo, WNBA hopeful Chanelle Molina, and Duke University’s Vanessa de Jesus, meanwhile, have opted out.

“We also want to Thank all the players and families that have committed to participating in this awesome tryout to find the best of the best Filipinas to represent our Philippines Country. We hope to continue the findings of the best talent,” added the Fil-Am Nation Select.

“For those that opt-out and couldn’t make it, we also want to thank you as we understand athletes' crazy schedules.”

—JMB, GMA News