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Patrick Aquino brings the curtains down on his run as Gilas Women’s head coach that lasted more than a decade as Samahang Basketball of the Pilipinas says they are now looking for a new national team player
MANILA, Philippines – Patrick Aquino’s tenure as Gilas Pilipinas Women’s head coach, a career decorated with many historic moments, has come to an end.
Aquino, 54, is bringing the curtain down on his run as a national team mentor that lasted more than a decade as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Saturday, March 28, that it is now looking for a new Gilas Women’s shooter.
“SBP thanks coach Patrick Aquino for everything he has done for the program and for all his efforts in the development of women’s basketball in the country,” said SBP president Ricky Vargas. “But now is the time to move forward and do more for Gilas Pilipinas Women and the entire women’s basketball community in the country.”
With Aquino at the helm, the Gilas Women grabbed their first Southeast Asian Games gold medal when the country hosted the biennial show in 2019 and followed it up with two more victories, in Vietnam in 2022 and Thailand in 2025.
She also led the Philippines’ promotion to Division A of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, at both the senior and junior levels.
Aquino added another feather to her cap when Gilas Women beat a non-Asian team for the first time with a single goal. 74-59 depression of world number 19 Colombia in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in France earlier this March.
But that game was Aquino’s last.
Aquino, though, will continue to work with the SBP as he focuses on talent identification and grassroots development, the federation said.
“The landscape of women’s basketball is changing as we see Filipino talents emerging from all over the world. The talents of our Filipino players are also being recognized as doors are being opened for them around the world. We need to integrate all these in our team,” Vargas said.
Aquino’s foreign successor is possible as the SBP begins the search for a new head coach.
“We will have a thorough process to determine who will lead Gilas Pilipinas Women moving forward. We do not have clear expectations yet, but the search begins now,” said SBP executive director Erika Dy.
“We don’t limit ourselves to finding local coaches, as our plan is to find the best option. If that means hiring from abroad, that’s what we will do.”
Next up for Gilas Women are the FIBA Women’s Olympic Preliminary Qualifying Tournament in August and the Asian Games in September – tournaments that are important for the team’s preparation for the Philippines’ hosting of the 2027 Asian Cup. – Rappler.com
