Patrick Aquino is stepping aside as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Women after 12 years and will transition into a new role for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). The SBP announced the move via a statement.
“The SBP thanks coach Patrick Aquino for everything that he has done for the program, and for all his efforts in the development of women’s basketball in the country,” said SBP President Ricky Vargas. “But now it’s time to move forward and do more for Gilas Pilipinas Women and the entire women’s basketball community in the country.”
The SBP took note of the changing landscape of women’s basketball and how this is “a crucial period where we really need to invest in the growth of our women’s program…”
“The landscape of women’s basketball is changing as we’re seeing Filipina talent sprouting from all over the world. The talent of our Filipina players is also being recognized as doors are opening for them all over the world. We need to harness all of this into our team. This is a crucial period where we really need to invest in the growth of our women’s program as we look forward to hosting the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in 2027,” Vargas added.
The Search Begins for a New Coach
With Aquino exiting as coach, the SBP, according to Executive Director Erika Dy, is now shifting focus to picking a successor who will take point in leading the organization’s long-term vision.
“We’re going to have a thorough process to determine who will lead Gilas Pilipinas Women moving forward. We don’t have clear prospects yet, but the search begins now,” said Dy. “We’re not limiting ourselves to looking for local coaches, as our plan is really to land the best option possible. If that means hiring from abroad, that’s what we will do.”
Aquino, meanwhile, will transition into a new role within the federation, focusing on talent identification and grassroots development. He will work alongside program director Norman Black as part of SBP’s long-term plans to sustain and expand the country’s women’s basketball pipeline.
Patrick Aquino Leaves a Legacy of Success
Patrick Aquino exits as the most successful coach in the history of Gilas Pilipinas Women, having overseen the program’s rise on both the regional and global stage.
Under his leadership, Gilas Pilipinas Women captured their first-ever gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in 2019, followed by additional gold medals in 2021 and 2025, along with a silver-medal finish in 2023.
He also guided the team’s promotion to Division A in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup for both the senior and youth levels—an achievement that signaled the Philippines’ emergence among Asia’s elite.
Beyond medals, Patrick Aquino helped build a strong player pipeline, developing key national team figures such as Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Jack Animam, and rising stars like Kacey Dela Rosa and Sumayah Sugapong.
In their recent campaign at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon, France, the team managed to find a sliver of success despite not achieving their goal of making it to the World Cup.
The team endured a challenging campaign, finishing with a record of 1-4, with losses to France, Germany, Nigeria, and South Korea. However, the team closed their run on a high note with a historic victory over Colombia—their first-ever win against a non-Asian opponent.
What’s Next for Gilas Pilipinas Women?
Despite the coaching transition, Gilas Pilipinas Women will quickly shift focus to upcoming international competitions.
The team is set to compete in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament this August, followed by the Asian Games in Japan this September.
