Aquino flies back to US to scout for overseas prospects

GILAS Pilipinas Women is determined to scoop up more Filipino-foreign reinforcements to bolster its squad bracing for a busy campaign this year highlighted by a title defense bid in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Coach Pat Aquino is scheduled to fly back to the United States next month with hopes of convincing some overseas prospects to don Gilas colors following the commitment of Mai-Loni Henson from University of Washington.

“We’ve been very aggressive with our recruitment program in preparation for 2022. There’s a lot of promising Fil-Am players that are willing to help out and represent the country,” Mr. Aquino, also the national program director, told The STAR.

“I’ll check on the players who could potentially play this year,” he added.

At least seven prospects are in the Gilas list led by former WNBA training camp signee Chanelle Molina from Washington State University according to Mr. Aquino.

Also in consideration are Pepperdine University’s Malia Bambrick, Westmont College’s Stephanie Berberabe, George Washington’s Aurea Gingras, Kiera Oakry of University of San Diego, California and Laila Phelia of University of Michigan.

Gilas could also get back the services of Sacramento State’s Gabi Bade, who had already played for the Nationals in the 2019 Jones Cup, after her Cyprus pro league stint.

Their potential Gilas commitment would coincide with the debut of Ms. Henson, who acquired her dual citizenship after a pro stint in France, and the return of Jack Animam from Serbia.

Mses. Henson and Jack Animam will banner the country’s goal for a second straight SEA Games gold medal along with Afril Bernardino, Ella Fajardo, Camille Clarin and skipper Janine Pontejos. — John Bryan Ulanday