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Fil-Am Prospects Hoping to Strengthen Gilas Women’s Program
Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) – December 26, 2020 – 12:03 pm
MANILA, Philippines – As the Gilas Pilipinas women’s program continues to develop, more and more rising talents are stepping up to contribute to the growth of the women’s national team.
Speaking to So She Did of Tiebreaker Vods, Filipino-foreign prospects Mai-Loni Henson, Kayla Padilla and Mia Yanogacio all expressed their desire to eventually represent the Philippines once the opportunity arises.
Henson, who plays as a professional hooper in Europe and is an alumnus of the University of Washington’s women’s basketball program, said her connection with US-based Filipino coach Cris Gopez has served as a starting point for eventually going to Philippines and play basketball.
“He was actually able to connect with the coaches of the Philippine national team, so I hope that in the future I can go there and represent my country,” Henson said.
“I’m anxious about [it] and I know my mom is very excited, “he added.
Meanwhile, Padilla, a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, also expressed interest in donning Gilas’s jersey.
The Ivy League rookie of the year said that after her college career, it’s something she’s definitely looking forward to.
“[It’s] It has definitely been an interest of mine. Obviously now I just try to take it day by day … just finish college first, but I would love to represent my country, “said Padilla.
“Especially playing with other Filipino basketball players because it would be really wonderful,” he added.
The University of Delaware agrees Yanogacio, meanwhile, plans to follow in the footsteps of his father, who had previously played here in the Philippines.
“I think it would be great … My father played there before when he was younger so I think it would be great to represent him,” he said.
Gopez’s signature on Fil-Foreign select has been featuring athletes from around the world and is helping national team programs, such as the Gilas women, to spot talent to be tapped for future competitions.
Gilas Women’s Head Coach Patrick Aquino will host a combine for Fil-Foreign hoopers in the United States to see Henson, Padilla and Yanogacio, as well as other prospects, who may be interested in playing for the national team.
While FIBA eligibility rules may prevent prospects like them from donning the national team jersey in FIBA sanctioned competitions, other tournaments such as the Jones Cup and the Southeast Asian Games will be open for these. fil-foreign players.
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