The young queens have done it.
The Gilas Pilipinas Women under-16 team let its play do the talking, and now everyone is a fan.
On the wee hours of Monday, July 17, Gilas coach Pat Aquino and his wards completed their undefeated run in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship 2023-Dvision B with an 80-63 annihilation of Iran in the finals. The girls’ latest victory in Amman, Jordan was the culmination of their redemption tour, which arose from the upset loss they suffered during last year’s semifinals.
With the win, the squad has been promoted to Division A. That has been the ultimate goal the entire competition, and with every impressive performance the team rendered, more and more fans started rallying behind the cause.
Ava Fajardo, who turned out to be Gilas’ best player of the tournament with her stellar averages of 16.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, made sure to appreciate the love she and the rest of the team have been getting by posting the fans’ well wishes on her Instagram, including that of her auntie's.
“The support is amazing,” Fajardo wrote on her IG story, wherein a supporter is seen staying up late to watch the championship game.
Navaeh Smith, who scored a game-high 21 points for Gilas, had senior team member Andrea Tongco feeling proud of the girls.
Twitter user @yelnatsky was amazed upon seeing the team make waves in the international stage.
“Mission of redemption complete. On to Division A for next year and who knows, maybe the World Championships in 2025. Salamat,” he posted.
Even volleyball fans have fallen in love with Fajardo and her crew.
“U16 womens basketball, ang lala ng mga girls. Saan galing mga 'to? Young gilas, ang strong,” @volleyball_diva tweeted.
These fans aren’t wrong to say that these Gilas U16 squad is special. For sure their original and newfound followers can’t wait how Fajardo, Smith, and their teammates will stir things up in Division A next year.
(GM)