MANILA – Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana expressed elation with her upcoming Gilas Pilipinas national women’s basketball team debut in two crucial tournaments next month.
The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses standout is set to suit up for the Philippine squad in the William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan and FIBA Asia Cup in China.
“First of all, thankful ako kay (UST) coach Haydee Ong kasi pinayagan niya ako na maglaro dito sa Gilas, and of course malaking opportunity and experience ang makukuha ko dito sa Gilas kasama yung mga beterano,” said Pastrana.
She added: “Siguro malaking opportunity na yung tiwala nila sa akin nandiyan kahit gaano na katagal na kinukuha nila ako. Inantay pa rin nila ako na makapaglaro ako sa Gilas.”
“Of course, thankful ako na binigyan ulit ako ng opportunity na makapaglaro ako dito sa Gilas kasi pangarap ko rin na makapaglaro sa Gilas, and ito na yung malaking opportunity, lalo na sa last playing year ko sa UAAP,” she further said.
Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach Patrick Aquino is hoping that Pastrana’s inclusion to the national team will mark the beginning of more UAAP stars stepping up for the national team.
“Very happy ako like Kent of course. I’ve been eyeing her for the longest time already, and being permitted by coach Haydee. Hopefully, more players to come especially— that’s why we’re having UAAP, for the national team,” Aquino said.
“With that movement right now, hopefully it gets bigger and it will be better for the UAAP. More competition, great competition coming up. Dati sasabihin puro NU lang pero now may UST, may Ateneo, may FEU, and then La Salle of course still there. Sana dumami pa,” he added./PN
