Afril Bernardino earns FIBA 3×3 All-Asia Cup Team honors while guiding Gilas Women to a historic silver finish

As Gilas Pilipinas celebrated a historic podium finish with a silver medal at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, all‑star honors went to Afril Bernardino, who has continued to cement her legacy as one of the Philippines’ most decorated basketball talents. 

A three‑time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, two‑time WMPBL MVP, and three‑time UAAP Most Valuable Player, Bernardino tallied 23 points across the tournament, averaging 4.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with a player valuation of 36.7—fourth highest in the continental competition. 

She earned a spot on the All‑Asia Cup Team alongside China’s Zhang Zhiting and tournament MVP Kristy Wallace of Australia.

Wallace finished with 18 points and 20 rebounds, and Zhang led the tournament in scoring with 38 points and the highest player valuation of 39.4. 

Showing their sportsmanship, Bernardino exchanged jerseys with Wallace, capturing a special moment of camaraderie between top competitors. 

Gilas Women’s silver marked the program’s first‑ever medal at the Asia Cup and the best finish for both men’s and women’s teams in the Philippines’ FIBA 3×3 history.

Beyond her performance in Singapore, Bernardino’s journey reflects a broader impact on Philippine basketball.

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AFRIL POURS

Afril Bernardino makes the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 Women’s Team of the Tournament alongside Women’s MVP Kristy Wallace of Australia and Zhang Zhiting of China after the Gilas Pilipinas Women reach their first-ever Final and take a historic silver medal. pic.twitter.com/hKBohk3Y3G

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) April 6, 2026

After a storied collegiate career with the National University Lady Bulldogs—where she led the squad to three straight UAAP championships and collected multiple MVP awards. She took her game as a professional, including earning back‑to‑back MVP honors in the WMPBL and helping her team capture the inaugural pro season title.

This blend of domestic dominance and global exposure continues to strengthen her role as a leader and role model for rising Filipino basketball players.

With the silver medal secured, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 now turns its focus to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Singapore from April 11 to 12. The Philippines enters as the top seed in Pool B, ranked 19th in the world, followed by Singapore at 20th and Brazil at 62nd. 

Bernardino will remain a key part of Coach Anton Altamirano’s roster alongside teammates Kacey dela Rosa and Mikka Cacho, while Tantoy Ferrer replaces Cheska Apag, adding fresh energy to the squad. 

The Gilas Women will return home briefly before heading back to Singapore for crucial qualifier matchups against Brazil and Singapore, aiming to secure a berth on the world stage.

Bernardino’s continued evolution—from collegiate star to international standout—serves as an inspiration for the next wave of Filipinas aiming to make their mark in both 3×3 and traditional basketball arenas. 

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