MANILA — Kacey Dela Rosa and Jack Animam are set to anchor Gilas Pilipinas in their upcoming 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup later this week.
The Nationals are set to settle the score against the best squads of women’s basketball on the continent starting this Sunday in Division A, as Dela Rosa, Animam, and the rest of their core look to book a ticket into the 2026 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
“Maganda for Coach Pat [Aquino] na nabigyan na sila ng exposure,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy of the Gilas women who also recently competed in the 2025 William Jones Cup.
“If you followed the games, nakakasunod sila and it’s only in the end na medyo kumakalas sila,” she added.
Aside from the two-time UAAP MVP Dela Rosa and the ever-reliable Animan, also in for Gilas are collegiate stars, UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP and Rookie of the Year Cielo Pagdulagan, Kent Pastrana, Angel Surada, Louna Ozar, and Yvette Villanueva.
Completing the roster are mainstay stars Vanessa de Jesus, Ella Fajardo, Khate Castillo, and Naomi Pangabinan, and women’s rookie Sumayah Sugapong.
Gilas will have a daunting task in their opener as they go up against World No.2 Australia on Sunday, July 13, at 4:30 p.m.
Next are matchups against Japan on Monday at 7:30 p.m., and Lebanon on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
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