Patrick Aquino steps down as Gilas Women coach

Patrick Aquino called the shots for Gilas Pilipinas Women for 12 years, helping the Philippines make significant progress in the international scene. (Photo: FIBA)

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The search is on for the new Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach as Patrick Aquino vacates his post after 12 years, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said on Saturday, March 28.

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‎The federation stressed that it is heading in a new direction in preparation for the Philippines' hosting of the 2027 FIBA Women's Asia Cup.

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‎“The landscape of women’s basketball is changing as we’re seeing Filipina talent sprouting from all over the world. The talent of our Filipina players is also being recognized as doors are opening for them all over the world. We need to harness all of this into our team,” said SBP Pres. Ricky Vargas in a media release, as quoted by the Tiebreaker Times.

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‎SBP noted that Aquino will take on a new role focusing on talent identification and grassroots development of girls' basketball in the archipelago.

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‎SBP executive director Erika Dy, meanwhile, said that there are no clear prospects yet for the coaching position.

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‎“We’re not limiting ourselves to looking for local coaches, as our plan is really to land the best option possible. If that means hiring from abroad, that’s what we will do,” she said.

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‎Under Aquino's guidance, the Filipina cagers have made significant progress over the past decade.

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‎Most recently, Gilas concluded its campaign in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament on a high note with an upset win over world no. 19 Colombia.

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‎While they failed to qualify for the World Cup, the Philippines confirmed their place in the 2028 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in August.

‎The national team has secured and maintained Division A status in FIBA Asia at both the senior and youth levels under his leadership.

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‎Aquino also led the Philippines to its first-ever gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in 2019 before winning two more, with the most recent coming from last year's edition.

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‎Aside from the Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, Gilas Pilipinas Women will also see action in the Asian Games in Japan in September.