GRADUATING GROWLING Tigress Kent Pastrana made the final cut of the 12-woman Gilas Pilipinas Women’s roster that will compete in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament from March 12 to 17 in Villeurbanne, France.
Fresh off a successful UAAP championship run, the Season 88 Finals MVP reclaimed her spot in the national team, as confirmed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in a post on Tuesday, March 10.
Pastrana is no stranger to the national team, averaging 5.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists on her first stint during the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers last July in China, where Gilas Women finished at sixth place after yielding to New Zealand, 78-71.
She was also part of the Gilas core that struck gold at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last December, when the Filipinas triumphed over host Thailand, 73-70.
Other college basketball standouts making a comeback to Gilas are three of Pastrana’s co-UAAP Season 88 Elite Team members, namely, Ateneo’s Kacey dela Rosa, NU’s Angel Surada and UAAP Season 88 MVP Ann Pingol.
The national team roster also includes Afril Bernardino, Louna Ozar, Sophia Dignadice, Sarah Heyn, Janine Pontejos, Trina Guytingco and Sumayah Sugapong, as well as new naturalized athlete Stefanie Berberabe.
Gilas is on a quest for a Top 2 finish in Group D, facing competition from France, Colombia, Germany, Nigeria and South Korea.
The Philippines starts its pursuit of a World Cup ticket to Germany against France on Thursday, March 12. F
