SHENZHEN (China) – In the midst of a challenging 115-39 loss to Australia on Day 1 of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, Naomi Panganiban emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience for the Philippines. Making her debut at the Women’s Asia Cup, Panganiban represents the youthful core of a team undergoing a significant transition, tasked with learning and growing on Asia’s biggest stage.
Panganiban, alongside fellow newcomers like Kent Pastrana, Sumayah Sugapong, Yvette Marie Villanueva, Quinn Kacey Dela Rosa and Cielo Pagdulagan, is experiencing the intensity of the Women’s Asia Cup for the first time. Despite the steep competition, Panganiban’s composure and leadership stood out as she combined with Pastrana to score 16 points, providing a spark for the Gilas Women amid a tough outing.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Panganiban said, “We are a young group and still learning, but it’s good to know we have each other’s back.”
Her words capture the spirit of a squad that, while inexperienced, is united by determination and a shared desire to improve.
2025 FIBA WAC – AUS x PHI – Naomi Panganiban
Head coach Pat Aquino acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic about the team’s future.
“We’re in a transition. We are inserting new kids into our program. Our youngsters played well, but a lot more to learn,” he said. “They can learn from what they experienced today and then getting more experiences can make our team better in the future.”
For Panganiban and other members of this new Gilas Women generation, the tournament is more than just competition—it’s a chance to grow alongside teammates and veterans alike.
“We’re gonna be playing a lot of really good girls, but I have a lot of confidence in our group. We’re pretty young, but we all want to be here and play hard with a lot of passion,” said Sugapong, echoing the collective mindset that Panganiban embodies.
As the Philippines navigate this rebuilding phase, Panganiban’s leadership and poise provide a foundation on which the team can build. Each game offers invaluable lessons and with players like her at the helm, the Gilas Women should develop into a more competitive force at the Women’s Asia Cup.
Naomi Panganiban’s debut is a promising sign that the future of Philippine women’s basketball is in capable hands. She’s young, hungry and ready to rise.
FIBA