Gilas Pilipinas Women in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 3x3 basketball tournament. Photo courtesy of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC)-Media Pool.Gilas Pilipinas Women brought home the Philippines’ lone basketball medal in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, a result the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) sees as a testament to the country’s progress in 3x3 basketball.
Despite falling short against host Japan, 21-11, in the gold-medal match on Friday, SBP 3x3 program director Ryan Gregorio hailed Gilas Women for proving that the Philippines can compete among the continent’s top squads.
“That was a big achievement for us,” said Gregorio. “We were really hoping for gold, but Japan played better. But what’s nice is that 3x3 basketball in the Philippines is relevant, not just in our country, but at the Asian level. We’re also competing even at the world level.”
The silver finish was the Philippines’ first-ever medal in the Asiad’s 3x3 basketball tournament, coming after the country did not see action in the event at the 2023 edition.
And while head coach Anton Altamirano acknowledged that the loss to Japan left a sour taste, he still viewed the campaign as a major victory for the program.
“Honestly, I feel bad. They really deserved it, but we’re still happy. We really gave our best the whole tournament,” said Altamirano of the squad composed of Kacey Dela Rosa and Under-23 players Amyah Espanol, Kennan Ka, and Victoria Pasilang.
“They’re not even my senior lineup except for Kacey, but we have a vast pool of players, so maganda yung ginagawa ni Coach Ryan,” he added. “And you win games, you lose games, but ang importante is you gave your best.”
‘Happy, but not satisfied’
SBP executive director Erika Dy echoed Altamirano’s sentiments, but stressed the need to turn the disappointment into purpose moving forward.
“Not gonna lie, it’s a bit disappointing. We really wanted the gold, but we’re still happy to contribute to the medal count,” she said. “Dapat lang pagpatuloy natin ’to, and meron talaga tayong mararating. Hopefully, the gold will come.”
While the men’s team also fell short of a podium finish after losing to Iran, 21-10, Gregorio added the results of both teams provide a stepping stone for the program as it continues to develop.
READ: Gilas Men 3x3 suffer heartbreak, settle for 4th after loss to Iran
“What we need right now is to continue to look for ways to improve our teams, to compete at a very high level,” he said. “Progress is the most important thing for us. So we’re happy, but we’re not satisfied.”
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