National University standout Mikka Cacho is set to power Gilas Women team when it competes in the 3×3 event of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
Cacho, who played a crucial role in the Lady Bulldogs’ march to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines throne, will join the powerhouse core of Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos in its bid to reclaim the title in the half-court event of the biennial meet.
Gilas head coach Patrick Aquino said Cacho will be taking the spot left by longtime national team member Clare Castro.
“I like her because she’s got the size and can shoot the ball well from the outside,” Aquino said in an online exchange with Daily Tribune.
Aquino added that Cacho can switch positions with Bernardino, giving the team more versatility that would make it easier for the re-entry of Animam in the roster.
Animam was highly responsible in powering Gilas to the gold medal in the inaugural staging of the 3×3 event during the Manila SEA Games four years ago.
With Animam coming back stronger and getting herself better following her stint in the French League, the women’s squad is also poised to make it big in its redemption tour.
“We’re making changes as we want to have a more versatile squad,” said Aquino, whose team failed to defend the title last year in Vietnam as Animam suffered a knee injury.
“But we like our chances this time, and hopefully, we can make another run for the gold.”
While Cacho will concentrate on 3×3, Bernardino, Animam and Pontejos will play dual roles as they will also see action in the five-on-five event, where the Filipinas will shoot for their third straight crown.
