SHENZHEN (China) - Remaining in Division A is and will always be the goal, but the Philippines are no longer content to do just that as they head into the fast-approaching FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025.
Simply put, they want more.
For a refresher of sorts, Gilas Women have been competing in the biennial tournament's top level for nearly a decade now, or since earning the long awaited promotion during the 2015 competitions held in Wuhan.
That, of course, was a major milestone for a program that toiled around in the Level II ranks for a long while. But they know, too, that the job isn't finished even though they have authored that big of an achievement.
While there's prestige in competing in Division A, it's never enough to only feel happy to be there. Since making the leap, the Philippines have not finished higher than sixth in the four editions that followed.
After the Wuhan meet which eventually ended with Japan on top, they wound up seventh in the next three contests before clinching a sixth-place finish in the most recent one held in 2023 in Sydney.
It's still an improvement, nonetheless, but Coach Pat Aquino is pushing his charges to find their 'more,' so to speak, as they all head into battle that is the July 13-20 showpiece to be played in this sprawling Chinese city.
Especially with a shot at history ahead.
The upcoming tourney is easily one of the most anticipated events this year, as the top six finishers will earn a ticket each to the prestigious FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
Given that they finished sixth two years ago, Gilas Women should feel some measure of confidence, for replicating as much would mean advancing to the global tilt - an unprecedented feat for the country, if ever they do.
But it's not lost on them that it would be easier said than done. Firstly, there are still others looking to shake up the field and give the traditional powerhouses - China, Japan, Korea, and Australia - a run for their money.
We're talking about the likes of New Zealand, Lebanon, and Division A debutant Indonesia, all of which are hungry not only to prove that they belong but are out to vie for one of those seats to the qualifiers as well.
Secondly, and perhaps the biggest question mark in their upcoming campaign, is their very own roster. Unlike in the past, Aquino won't have his long-time players this time around for matters beyond their control.
Philippine team mainstays Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Chack Cabinbin, and Andrea Tongco will all miss the 2025 Women's Asia Cup because of military obligations, thus making this batch a relatively younger unit.
There's still star center Jack Animam but this will be a test for her, too, as the bulk of leadership responsibilities usually carried by the quartet is now entrusted to her being one of Team Philippines' more experienced players.
Presently, she's surrounded by pieces that came from Gilas Youth like Ella Fajardo, Louna Ozar, Naomi Panganiban, and Sumayah Sugapong as the program hopes to bank on continuity to address those big absences.
It is indeed going to be an uphill battle for this crew, and that makes them one of the more interesting sides to keep an eye on in Shenzhen if they'd be able to overcome these obstacles to accomplish their goals.
The Philippines are drawn in Group B of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025. To know more, click here.
FIBA