Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio is rallying behind the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), saying that it should continue boosting the Gilas Pilipinas Women roster following its solid performance in the FIBA Asia Cup in Shenzhen last week.

Gregorio said the federation must continue its overseas talent identification for Gilas Women to attract quality players who will represent the country in major international events like the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December, the 20th Asian Games in Japan next year, and the FIBA Asia Cup that Manila will host in 2027.

“We know that there are many athletes all over the world who proudly represent the Philippines even if some of them may not have gotten a Philippine passport yet before they turned 16,” said Gregorio, who flew to China to personally witness Gilas Pilipinas Women’s sixth-place finish in the prestigious continental event.

“Some of them even represent us in the Olympics. I am with the SBP in finding better solutions for Filipinos who have a clear lineage to represent the country.”

Recruiting Filipino-foreign players is nothing new to the SBP.

Players like Naomi Panganiban, Ella Fajardo, Vanessa de Jesus and Louna Ozar were all based in the United States before being tapped to compete for the Philippines alongside locals Jack Animam and Khate Castillo.

De Jesus, a former Duke University standout, even averaged 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in the five games she played for the Filipinas in the Asia Cup.

Gregorio, a former SBP executive director, hopes that the success of Gilas Women on the international stage will help boost the Philippines’ reputation as a country to host FIBA competitions in the future.

“We know of the nationwide impact of basketball in the Philippines and my hope is that more FIBA events can be held in our country, not just in Manila but in other regions because this will help boost sports tourism and also enhance sports diplomacy,” Gregorio said.

“SBP has hosted successful FIBA events in Clark and San Fernando, Pampanga and it will be good to give other regions and provinces that same opportunity as well.”