Gilas Pilipinas Women start Lipa bubble ahead of Asia Cup

The Gilas Pilipinas Women squad has set up a bubble camp as part of its preparation for the 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup slated from September 27 to October 3 in Amman, Jordan.

According to Ryan Gregorio, who serves as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) special assistant to the president, the nationals are currently staying at the JET Hotel while their training venue is at the Summit Point Golf & Country Club, both are located in Lipa, Batangas.

Multi-titled mentor Patrick Aquino remains at the helm and forms a team bannered by a good mix of veteran cagers and youngsters.

Afril Bernardino, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Clare Castro, Ria Nabalan, Janine Pontejos, Mar Prado, and Andrea Tongco, all of whom are holdovers from the 2019 SEA Games gold medal winning team, are tipped to lead the squad.

They are joined by Kristin Cayabyab, Karl Ann Pingol, Camille Clarin, and Ella Fajardo.

Serbia-bound and national team mainstay Danielle Animam, however, won’t be able to join the team.

“It’s good that we can finally start working together,” said Aquino, who will be assisted by coaches Ramon Garcia, Julie Amos, and Mark Solano with trainer Paolo Gorospe and physical therapist Rassel Urag.

“During these times, it’s a luxury to be able to focus on basketball and that’s why the team is thankful for this opportunity to practice in a safe environment."

Gilas Pilipinas Women will be taking on China on September 27, Australia on September 28, and Chinese Taipei on September 29.

The top four teams from this competition will have the chance to qualify for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 in Australia.

“The continued growth of women’s basketball in the country is one of the pillars of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and this is why the federation along with our partners will do everything we can to support our Gilas Pilipinas Women,” said Gregorio. — LA, GMA News