Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said his decision to bring in the Gilas Women’s team during practice is aimed at fostering camaraderie as the two squads rev up for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
“We want to also promote the women’s team and at the same time, we want to communicate with our fans. It’s kinda hitting two birds with one stone,” Cone said.
“Coach Pat (of Gilas Women) agreed to it. They’re like kindred spirits to us. They’re trying to do what we try to do in the same sport. It’s important for us to support them and we had a great time in Cambodia (SEA Games) when we had dinner after the games.”
Aquino was tickled pink when the opportunity came knocking.
“It’s the closest thing, some sort of a mentorship given by Coach Tim and this has certainly uplifted the morale of the team as we take part in the Asian Games,” Aquino said.
“It goes beyond the Xs and Os, but his wisdom is so deep and the entire team felt it,” he said.
Cone revealed that the plan was brought up during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The multi-titled coach thought by doing so, they may be able to uplift the morale of the female dribblers.
“Even back in the 2019 SEA Games, when they won the golds and we won the gold, we went to the podium together. They’re close to our hearts. If we can do any help that we can for their program, that’s great and once we go to China, I’m sure someone’s gonna be supporting us,” Cone added.
Gilas Women’s stint in Hangzhou will mark the first time the Philippines will compete in women’s play in the Asian Games which get going this week.
