By Jonas Terrado
Far Eastern University center Clare Castro will make her return for Gilas Pilipinas in the national women’s basketball team in the 30th Southeast Asian Games which starts Dec. 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Pat Aquino, center, is joined by Janine Pontejos, Clare Castro, Jack Animan and Afril Bernardino during a recent session of the PSA Forum.
Castro was included in the 12-man lineup of the national cagebelles after missing out on stints in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament due to her UAAP campaign.
The rest of coach Pat Aquino’s roster are players who suited up in the two tournaments that served as preparation for the competition.
Part of the team are Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Ria Nabalan, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Kelli Hayes, Gemma Miranda, Eunique Chan, Danica Jose and the injured Jack Animam, who is expected to be ready for the tournament.
Animam was forced to miss the final game of the Olympic Pre-Qualifying event and National University’s sweep of the UAAP women’s basketball finals after suffering an orbital fracture on her right eye against South Korea.
Aquino expects Animam to be ready by the time the 5×5 competitions are set.
Gilas is looking to give the country its first gold in the distaff side of the biennial meet.
The Nationals open their campaign against Singapore, followed by a match against Indonesia on the following day.
After facing Malaysia on Dec. 8, Gilas will play Thailand on Dec. 10.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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