Vets Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino banner Gilas Pilipinas Women in FIBA World Cup pre-qualifiers

A mix of veterans and young guns will banner the Gilas Pilipinas Women squad when it competes at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda from August 19 to 25. 

Returning for national team duty are mainstays Jack Animam and Afril Bernardino as well as other old reliables in Janine Pontejos and Khate Castillo as the quartet show the way for a new-look Gilas Women. 

Completing the 11-woman roster are rising stars Naomi Panganiban, Camille Nolasco, Ella Fajardo, Louna Ozar, Stefanie Berberabe, Kacey Dela Rosa, and Kristan Yumul with coach Patrick Aquino still at the helm. 

The world no. 40 Filipinas will open their campaign on Monday, August 19, at 8 p.m. against world no. 8 Brazil in Group C before taking on no. 16 Hungary and no. 25 Senegal on the 20th and 22nd, respectively. 

The pre-qualifying event is divided into two two groups, which will be hosted by Mexico and Rwanda with eight teams competing in each group. 

In Rwanda, the Philippines will need to finish in the top two to advance to the crossover semifinals.

However, only the winner of the pre-qualifying tournament will earn a ticket to the World Cup Qualifying Tournament proper. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News