Gilas Women eye new direction as SBP looks overseas for next coach

A transition is underway for Gilas Pilipinas Women—and it may come with a shift in identity.

For years, the program has been defined by continuity, guided by a steady hand that helped elevate Philippine women’s basketball onto the regional and continental stage. Now, as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas begins its search for a new head coach, the direction appears to be leaning outward, with foreign candidates taking center stage in the selection process.

SBP Executive Director Erika Dy confirmed that the federation is actively exploring its options, with interviews already underway.

“Right now we’re still interviewing candidates. So far lahat ng na-interview namin foreign coaches,” Dy said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

The approach signals more than just a coaching change—it hints at a possible recalibration of the program, one that could introduce new systems, philosophies, and perspectives as Gilas looks to sustain its growth.

For now, however, the details remain under wraps. “We will make the announcement when the time is right,” she added.

Whoever takes over will inherit not just a team, but a legacy shaped by Pat Aquino, whose long tenure redefined what the national women’s program could achieve.

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.

SALAMAT, COACH PAT

The SBP officially begins its search for a new Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach as Patrick Aquino steps down from his post after more than a decade of leadership to take on a new role in grassroots development.#SBP #GilasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/54SDVXd3Xh

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) March 28, 2026

Over more than a decade, Aquino transformed Gilas Women into a consistent contender. Under his watch, the team captured three Southeast Asian Games gold medals and earned promotion to Level 1 in the FIBA Women’s Asia Championship—milestones that pushed Philippine women’s basketball into a higher tier of competition.

He also guided the squad to the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France, marking a significant step onto the global stage.

Now transitioning into a broader role focused on talent identification and grassroots development, Aquino leaves behind a foundation that the next coach must not only preserve, but build upon.

The challenge, then, is twofold.

First, to maintain the competitive standard that has been established. And second, to navigate the expectations that come with a program no longer seen as an underdog, but as a rising force in the region.

With the search ongoing and a new voice on the horizon, Gilas Pilipinas Women finds itself at a crossroads—balancing continuity with change, and legacy with evolution.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!