Gilas recruits making waves

Louna Ozar and Jhazmin Joson are making heads turn with their strong performance in the training of the Gilas Pilipinas Women team that will see action in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup on 26 June in Sydney.

Gilas head coach Patrick Aquino said he was impressed with how Ozar and Joson are playing since they joined the team more than a week ago.

Ozar caught the fancy of Aquino when she became the top performer of the national squad that competed in the Asian U18 Women's Championship last year.

Now playing at the senior level, Ozar is tipped to see action at the small forward spot to share minutes with veterans Afril Bernardino and Camille Clarin.

On the other hand, Joson's inclusion had jacked up Gilas' depth at the backcourt to share the playmaking chores with United States-based Ella Fajardo and Vanessa de Jesus of Duke University.

"Louna and Jhazmin Joson have been impressive in practice," Aquino told Daily Tribune when asked about the progress of the team as they prepare for the prestigious continental tournament.

"They're very aggressive and made known their intention that they are ready to take it to the next level."

Aquino, however, stressed that the bulk of the responsibility will still be on his veterans like French League veteran Jack Animam, Janine Pontejos and Bernardino.

"Of course, our veterans will still lead the team with Jack, Afril and Janine guiding them."

The Philippines is bracketed in Group B together with Australia, Japan and Chinese Taipei.

It will begin its campaign on 26 June against Australia before battling Japan on 27 June and Chinese Taipei on 28 June.