Gilas women open Asia Cup against Australia

The Gilas Pilipinas women's national team begins its campaign in the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup against Australia on Sunday, July 13 at 4:30 p.m. local time at the Shenzhen Sports Center in China.

Eight nations are competing in a week-long tournament that will determine slots for the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournaments and an outright slot to the World Cup for the champion.

Ranked No. 44 globally, Gilas faces a challenging Group B with powerhouse teams Australia (World No. 2) and Japan (ninth-ranked), along with Lebanon.

The team aims to secure one win in group play to automatically qualify for the Women's World Cup qualifiers.

Leading the squad are veteran center Jack Animam, Vanessa de Jesus, Ella Fajardo, Sumayah Sugapon, Naomi Panganiban, Angel Surada, Kacey dela Rosa from Ateneo, Khate Castillo, Kent Pastrana, Cielo Pagdulagan of National University, Yvette Villanueva, and Louna Ozar.