BENGALURU (India) - The Philippines will be playing for their 2^nd consecutive time at the Division A level of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup coming this September 24-29 in Bengaluru, India. To avoid relegation and missing out on advancing to the Pre-Olympic Qualifiers Tournament, Gilas Pilipinas Women’s will have to battle their way through to not finish dead last in the final standings.

The squad that head coach Pat Aquino has assembled for the task this time will also feature an interesting addition.

23-year-old Kelli Hayes is set to make her FIBA Women’s Asia Cup debut with the Philippines national team in India, not long after a 4-year stretch playing for the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA. Hayes was a full-time starter in her senior year, averaging 6.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game for the Bruins who were nationally ranked in the Top 10 all year and went to the Elite 8 in 2017-2018.

She should not have much trouble getting integrated to the system that Aquino has built over the year. The forward listed at 6’0” was a part of the lengthy preparation leading up to the Women’s Asia Cup and also plays for Aquino in the Philippines collegiate league as well.

Hayes will be joining a roster that returns 6 players from the 2017 squad including Afril Bernardino and Jack Animam. 23-year-old Bernardino was one of the Philippines best players in 2017, averaging 8.0 points, 3.2 boards, and 1.2 assists per contest. 20-year-old Animam led the team in rebounds and put up 10 points and 6 boards in the Philippines crucial win over DPR Korea.

(Jack Animam, FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017)

For 2019, The Philippines are placed in Group B with Australia, China, and New Zealand. They will play their first game against Australia on September 24 at 13:15 (GMT +5:30).

FIBA