Gilas Pilipinas Women squad braces for a tough schedule as it competes in two major international tournaments this year.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy said Gilas Women are treating the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico as a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against elite competition while laying the foundation n for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

The FIBA tournament will run from 17 to 23 August at the Arena Astros, while the Asian Games will be held from 17 to 26 September at the Aichi International Arena.

“We’ll see how they fare here in the pre-Olympic qualifiers. As we know, we have a newly installed coach for our women’s program, so he will be able to watch their performance before he finalizes his roster for the Asian Games,” Dy said.

“Keep in mind that this is a bonus round for us because the real qualifier is the Asia Cup next year, which we are hosting in Cebu.”

The 17-woman Gilas Women pool will be bannered by 6-foot-5 Jack Animam and 6-foot Kacey dela Rosa, along with Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Vanessa de Jesus, Jhazmin Joson, Louna Ozar, Kent Pastrana, Angel Surada, Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, Monique Del Carmen, Tiffany Reyes, Sophia Dignadice, Camille Malagar, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Jaz Salon.

Canadian mentor Burke “B.T.” Toews will call the shots as the Philippines guns for its maiden podium finish in the Asian Games.

Dy said Toews has quickly clicked with the players and is determined not only to make the team better but also to immerse himself in the country’s culture.

“He’s getting along with them. He’s working on the camaraderie of the team — helping them gel and build chemistry,” Dy said. “He spends a lot of time talking to the girls, even on days when there is no training. He’s really investing in building relationships.”

While expectations are high for Toews after succeeding longtime mentor Pat Aquino, Dy is optimistic the 60-year-old coach will turn Gilas Women into a basketball powerhouse.

“This is his first tournament, but we’re confident that we chose the right coach for our players. He’s a three-time Coach of the Year in Japan, and we all know Japan is very strong in women’s basketball,” Dy said.