Gilas Pilipinas Women break into FIBA top 40 after Asia Cup surge

Fresh off their impressive run in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s basketball team has reached a new milestone, breaking into the top 40 of the FIBA world rankings at 39th overall. 

The jump is a significant one, as the squad leaped five spots from 44th in just a month, establishing themselves as the 7th-ranked team in Asia and the number one team in Southeast Asia — a testament to their steady progress on the international stage.

Guided by head coach Patrick Aquino, the Nationals showcased both grit and promise in the Asia Cup held in China. Despite fielding a relatively young lineup, the team battled to a sixth-place finish, highlighted by the standout performances of rising stars Naomi Panganiban, Sumayah Sugapong, Vanessa De Jesus, Kacey Dela Rosa, and Kent Pastrana, alongside the leadership and steady inside presence of veteran center Jack Animam. 

Their most crucial win came in a nail-biting 73-70 triumph over Lebanon, a result that preserved their Division A status and affirmed their resilience under pressure. 

RANK NO. 39

Gilas Pilipinas Women made a notable leap in the global ladder after the national women’s basketball team climbed five spots in the latest FIBA world rankings.

READ: https://t.co/bbOiEtSvNj

Follow #GMASports for more updates. pic.twitter.com/F7fnvXtfdL

— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) August 17, 2025

However, the Filipinas also faced tough lessons, bowing out of semifinal contention after a heavy 104-71 defeat to South Korea, reminding the group of the challenges that still lie ahead.

With their new ranking serving as both validation and motivation, Gilas Women now look to carry this momentum into the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

 Having surrendered the gold medal in the last edition to Indonesia, the Filipinas are determined to reclaim regional supremacy and prove that their recent world ranking surge is only the beginning of greater accomplishments to come.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.