Coaches Raiza Palmera-Dy and Allana Lim share their insights on how Sabrina Ionescu's Asia Tour is shaping the future of women’s basketball in the Philippines.
Basketball has long been a male-dominated sport in the Philippines, but events like Sabrina Ionescu’s Asia Tour are helping change that narrative.
For young girls aspiring to make their mark in the sport, seeing role models on and off the court is a game-changer.
Empowering the Next Generation
Coach Raiza Palmera-Dy, a former UAAP Season 74 MVP who now leads the FEU Lady Tamaraws as head coach, is a strong advocate for women’s basketball and emphasized the importance of exposure and opportunities for young female players.
“It’s very important sa mga young ones, especially mga babae. Dominated ng mga lalaki ‘yong basketball here in the Philippines. But katulad ng mga ganitong klaseng event, malaking bagay to encourage pa natin ‘yong mga young ones, especially mga bata na babae, na hindi lang pang-lalaki ang basketball, pang-babae din.”
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Coach Allana Lim, a seasoned player with championship experience, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the impact of seeing a figure like Sabrina in the sport.
Now, she is embracing a new role in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament—not just as a player, but as a mentor to the next generation of Filipina basketball stars.
“Malaking bagay sa mga kabataan na nagsa-start pa lang sa basketball dahil alam naman nating maraming nag-lo-look up kay Sabrina. The way niya i-handle ‘yong sarili niya on and off the court,”
Having strong female athletes as role models plays a crucial role in inspiring the next wave of ballers. It helps shape not just their skills, but also their mindset towards the sport.
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Lessons from the Court
Beyond skills and talent, discipline and passion are key ingredients to success in basketball. Coach Raiza Palmera-Dy shared a valuable lesson from her own journey that young athletes can take to heart.
“If you’re passionate talaga sa basketball, siguro i-pursue niyo talaga. Kasi like us [Coach Allana] nag-start kami with tennis, eh. Natagpuan namin ‘yong love namin for basketball. Na-realize namin na for basketball kami and now, we’re giving back to young ones na sana makatulong kami sa kanila.”
For those who dream of a career in basketball, perseverance and self-discovery are essential. Passion can lead athletes to where they truly belong.
Meanwhile, Coach Allana Lim highlighted the importance of discipline and self-care, something she hopes younger players will prioritize.
“Ako naman ‘yong ano, pag-disiplina sa sarili. Tulad kami ni Coach Raiza, isa kami sa matatanda na player na hanggang ngayon naglalaro pa. Sana makita ng mga younger generation kung gaano kahalaga alagaan ‘yong sarili [at] disipinahin.”
The longevity of a player’s career depends not just on skill but also on how well they take care of their body and mindset.
Shaping the Future of Women’s Basketball
With the continued efforts of players, coaches, and events like the Sabrina showcase, the future of women’s basketball in the Philippines looks brighter than ever.
More young girls are beginning to see basketball as a viable path, one where they can thrive and excel.
As the sport continues to break barriers, the message is clear—basketball is for everyone, and the next generation of women ballers is ready to rise.