The well-chiseled Vanessa de Jesus will get her baptism of PH Crew hearth. —FIBA.COM
Barely dodging relegation the final day out, the Gilas Pilipinas Ladies will likely be seeking to show that they belong within the Fiba (Worldwide Basketball Federation) Asia Cup, although they know that it is going to be one imply job.
Nationwide coach Patrick Aquino is aware of that his costs may have their work minimize out for them within the showcase in Sydney, Australia, however he stays steadfast within the perception that the group’s preparations—which embody a pair of victories in opposition to Aussie golf equipment final week—are going to bolster the squad’s possibilities when it plunges into motion on Monday.
“We all know that our bracket has the powerhouse groups, so by way of preparation, now we have been sharpening our offensive units as a run-and-gun group,” he instructed the Inquirer on the eve of Gilas’ first match, which is in opposition to the hosts who’ve gained their final three encounters in opposition to the Philippines by a mean margin of 51.3 factors.
“Top and skill-wise, it is going to be difficult. However to get an opportunity at preserving the sport shut, we should be capable of outrun and outhustle these groups,” he went on.
Duke product
Tip-off at Sydney Olympic Park Sports activities Centre is 5:30 p.m. (Manila time) with Gilas seeking to unveil three new weapons—one in every of whom is Duke guard Vanessa de Jesus, who has been key within the group’s tuneup wins over Keilor Thunder and Casey Cavaliers throughout a brief camp in Melbourne.
“Past Vanessa’s abilities, her presence is [also] an enormous massive influence for the women,” Aquino mentioned of his prized recruit who will function the group’s naturalized participant. “Her potential to adapt instantly to our system and her excessive degree of IQ as a (US NCAA) Division 1 level guard makes her a worthwhile asset to the group.
“Off the court docket, I’m glad that she’s additionally getting alongside rather well with the group so it can assist with the chemistry after they play collectively,” he added.
Acquainted reliables Jack Danielle Animam, Afril Bernardino, Chack Cabinbin and Janine Pontejos make up the veteran core of the squad that may also conflict with six-time winner and defending champion Japan, together with Chinese language-Taipei, within the group part.
Additionally making their debut for Gilas are Ateneo’s Jhazmin Joson and College of the Philippines-commit Louna Ozar.
The Philippines completed seventh within the earlier version of the Asia Cup and it’ll attempt to flip in a greater efficiency as the highest 4 nations will go on to the qualifying tournaments for the Summer time Olympics in Paris subsequent 12 months.
“We’ve to ship the message that we belong [here],” Aquino mentioned in a earlier interview. “We’re not there simply to hold round.” INQ
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