Head coach Patrick Aquino glad Gilas Women can compete on the biggest stage anew

Philippine national women's basketball team head coach Patrick Aquino bared he has no expectations from his players when they see action in the prestigious 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup late this month.

For Aquino, the fact that Gilas Pilipinas Women were able to compete at a high-level again after almost two years of break due to the pandemic is already a feat in itself.

"I have no expectations for this tournament, I am just happy that my players have a chance to compete on the biggest stage once again," Aquino said before they left for Amman, Jordan on Tuesday night.

"At the end of the day, the opportunity to even play basketball is more than we hoped for so we are just going to go out there and do our best."

Gilas is facing some tough competitions ahead as they will play world no. 7 China on September 27 followed by no. 3 Australia on the 28th, and no. 34 Chinese-Taipei the next day.

Leading the team are veterans Afril bernardino and Janine Pontejos while completing the squad are Andrea Tongco, Ria Nabalan, France Mae Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Clare Castro, Mar Prado , Ella Fajardo, Camille Clarin, Kristine Cayabyab, and Karl Ann Pingol.

Aquino also shared the challenges they had to go through when they set up a training camp in Lipa, Batangas early this month.

"Each and every day was a challenge -- from the swabbing to the team practices but we need to prioritize our health," he said.

"Our mental toughness was also tested during our camp but I feel like that will help us compete against the continent's best teams. We have to take advantage of every opportunity we get to be on the court." — LA, GMA News