With Filipino-American players Gabi Bade and Stefanie Berberabe deemed ineligible, Gilas Pilipinas Women squad is scampering for players who will see action in the women’s 5x5 event of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Gilas coach Patrick Aquino expressed frustration over the organizers’ decision not to allow naturalized players like Bade and Berberabe to see action with a little over a week left before the tournament fires off at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok from 13 to 19 December.
Bade and Berberabe are considered as naturalized players after failing to obtain their Philippine passports before turning 16, similar to the case of Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, Mike Phillips, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Remy Martin in men’s 5x5 basketball.
Gilas Men’s personnel problem was even compounded when Jason Brickman, Geo Chiu and Dave Ildefonso bagged off to join the Abra Solid North Weavers in their title hunt in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Aquino said losing two players in the crucial stretch threw a monkey wrench into their preparation for the region’s most prestigious athletic event.
After all, both players are crucial to their rotation as Bade was part of the Gilas Women’s squad that won the gold medal in the 2022 SEA Games in Hanoi while Berberabe competed in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Rwanda.
“It’s just sad. They, Gabi Bade and Stefanie Berberabe, were practicing with me for almost two months already,” Aquino said.
“They should’ve told us earlier and it would be better preparation for us. So as of now, we get to do our thing and again, do our best.”
Aquino admitted that filling the huge void created by Bade and Berberabe’s absence will not be easy, especially with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) yet to wrap up its season. And with star center Jack Animam not competing in the biennial meet due to her commitment to her squad Denso Iris in Japan, the Philippines’ bid for a gold medal looks dim.
“We’re still waiting for the outcome of the UAAP,” he said.
“All the best talents are there.”
Aquino, however, insists the core of the squad, led by veterans Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos, still has more than enough talent and chemistry to compete against the best teams in the region.
“I know Jack isn’t going to be here because of her commitment in Japan but I hope that these girls would really represent us and I think they have the talent and the experience, and we can have that gold again,” Aquino added.
“I talked to Janine and Afril. I know they are kinda a little bit old right now but their leadership in handling teammates is great for us because of so many years being part of the national team.”
“I think we have the talent and the capability of getting that gold again. Hopefully, all the talents that I have now can really step up.”
Aside from Bernardino and Pontejos, Khate Castillo, Chack Cabinbin, Katrina Guytingco, Louna Ozar and Monique del Carmen are all expected to step up for the Filipinas as well as new additions like Sophia Dignadice and Sarah Heyn.
Aquino sees the naturalization rule as an advantage since other countries will have to adhere to the rule as well.
There won't be any foreign players this time, so it's an even turf for me,” said Aquino, who is tasked with the mission of leading the country to its third SEA Games gold medal.
“It's a good tournament for me. Most of the other teams will be fielding their local squads as well."