Persistence and perseverance are pertinent points for Perlas Pilipinas

WUHAN (2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship) - The capital of Hubei province in China surely brings some very fond memories for the Philippines fans, recollecting the manner in which the Gilas ended a quarter-century jinx by reaching the Semi-Final at the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship.

Four summers later, another Philippines team is at the Wuhan Sports Center attempting to create their own trail.

The Philippines women's team, known as Perlas, picked up their first win in Level II competition beating a determined DPR Korea 68-67 by holding their nerves when push came to shove.

And for head coach Patrick Henry Aquino, the team's presence is one of the first steps they need to take in their pursuit of long-term glory.

"Our goal is [to] look for an opportunity to play against the elites in Asia and this competition is another step in that direction," he said.

"If nothing else, the results here will help us understand our status and put together a suitable programme.

"When we compete and top level two, women in basketball will gain greater exposure not just in the Philippines but in Asia as well."

One of the 'suitable' programs that the 44-year-old National University coach envisages is an exclusive pro league for women in Philippines.

"My dream is for women to have their own professional basketball league in the Philippines and from there, maybe attract and thus attain access to a larger pool of naturalized Fil-Am players."

Aquino marked out Ewon Arayi and Allana Lim as the leaders of the current campaign.

"But we also have a bunch of youngsters [reigning UAAP MVP] Afril Bernardino and (teenager) Jack Danielle Animam about whom I am very optimistic," he enthused.

"The key for Philippines [women] is persistence and perseverance," he signed off."

FIBA