The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has named a 13-player pool for the upcoming FIBA Women’s 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland (June 1–7), and at the center of it all are two familiar names: Gilas Women standouts Afril Bernardino and Kacey Dela Rosa.
Bernardino and Dela Rosa’s inclusion is a no-brainer. The two led Gilas Women to a historic silver in the recently concluded FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore, losing only to powerhouse Australia in the championship game.
Head coach Anton Altamirano unsurprisingly singled out Bernardino, calling her the face of women’s basketball in the country. At 30, she continues to deliver at the highest level, earning a spot on the mythical three team in Singapore. He also praised Dela Rosa, just 22 and already a two-time UAAP MVP. Standing six feet tall, “Dangerosa” has developed into a rare all-around force and is poised to anchor both the 3×3 and 5×5 squads in years to come.
But, at the moment, the FIBA 3×3 World Cup is the focus, and Gilas Women will surely be tested in Pool C. Expected to give the Philippines a tough challenge in this bracket are China, Germany, Italy, and Latvia.
Familiar Names Round Out Gilas Women Pool
Joining Bernardino and Dela Rosa in the pool are:
- Camille Clarin
- Mikka Cacho
- Tantoy Ferrer
- Kaye Pingol
- Cheska Apag
- Gabi Bade
- Camille Malagar
- Amyah Espanol
- Jam Meniano
- Louna Ozar
- Elizabeth Means
Bernardino, Dela Rosa, Cacho, and Apag formed the unit that reached the Asia Cup finals in Singapore, while Ferrer stepped in for Apag during the World Cup qualifiers last weekend. In both campaigns, Gilas broke new ground, finishing runner-up at the Asia Cup and punching its ticket to Warsaw.
Busy Road Ahead for Gilas Women
Looking ahead, Altamirano believes Gilas Women are positioning themselves well for the long game. With women’s 3×3 expanding to 12 teams at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, he explained that five berths—including one reserved for Asia—will be awarded through federation ranking points, while six more will be decided in Olympic qualifying tournaments. “Every appearance matters,” he said. “Competing at the World Cup boosts our ranking and keeps us in the conversation.”
The road to Warsaw is packed. Gilas Women will first head to the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China (April 22–30), then join the FIBA 3×3 World Series stops in Chengdu (May 1–2), Manila (May 7–8), and Shanghai (May 16–17). The team is also slated for the Asia Pacific U21 and U23 Nations League, plus the Asian Games later this year.
“We’ll be busy all season,” Altamirano said, “but that’s exactly what we need to grow.”
