The Gilas Pilipinas Women's basketball team is eagerly preparing to compete in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023, which will be held in Melbourne, Australia. After their remarkable performance in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, where they secured a silver medal, the team is looking forward to showcasing their skills on the international stage. This article provides an overview of the team's preparations, key players, and their upcoming challenges in the tournament.


Gilas Women Gear Up for FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Australia.
Image: news.abs-cbn.com


Preparations and Excitement


The Gilas Pilipinas Women's team has been diligently preparing for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup following their successful campaign in the Southeast Asian Games. With their sights set on a strong showing in the tournament, the team has been engaging in rigorous practice sessions, continuously striving to improve their performance. Despite their demanding training schedule, the team has remained focused and dedicated, eager to represent the Philippines with pride.


Integration of Vanessa de Jesus


One significant addition to the Gilas Women's roster is Vanessa de Jesus, a talented Filipino-American guard playing for Duke University. De Jesus recently confirmed her commitment to the national team and is expected to contribute her skills and basketball intelligence to the squad. Head coach Pat Aquino expressed his excitement about having De Jesus on the team, emphasizing her talent, intelligence, and the unique connection she shares with her Filipino heritage. Her inclusion is expected to strengthen the team's performance.


Team Dynamics and Expectations


The Gilas Women's team consists of exceptional players, including star center Jack Animam and Filipino-American guard Ella Fajardo. Animam and Fajardo both expressed their enthusiasm about teaming up with De Jesus and their eagerness to see what she brings to the table. With a shared background of Filipinos playing overseas, they believe their collective experiences will contribute to a stronger bond and enhanced team performance. The team is driven to earn respect from the tournament's heavyweights and aims to showcase their progress and growth as a competitive unit.


Competition and Tournament Outlook


In the FIBA Women's Asia Cup, the Gilas Women have been placed in Group B alongside host Australia, Japan, and Chinese Taipei. Their first match will be against Australia on June 26 at the State Sports Centre in Sydney. The team's performance in this challenging group will determine their path in the tournament, with their goal set on securing a top position to advance to the next stages of the competition.


Conclusion


As the Gilas Pilipinas Women's basketball team embarks on their journey to the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Australia, excitement and anticipation fill the air. With their rigorous preparations, the integration of Vanessa de Jesus, and a team of talented players, the Gilas Women are determined to represent the Philippines with excellence on the international stage. Basketball enthusiasts eagerly await their performances and hope for a successful campaign in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023.


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SITE: https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/17/23/gilas-women-off-to-australia-for-fiba-womens-asia-cup

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