Lost in the shuffle of the crowded NBA MVP race, the return of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, and the buildup of some UAAP teams was some news of a changing of the guard set to take place in one of the country’s most successful basketball programs. 

Pat Aquino had long been part of the Gilas Women’s program, back when many looked past the squad. But now, the 54-year old leaves behind a team that has won medals, climbed the ranks of international basketball, and earned the respect of their peers in the Philippines and abroad.  

While they had a tough FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign, the change comes as somewhat of a surprise considering how Gilas Women’s has become a beacon of stability. In fact, they even got a victory over Colombia to end a tough campaign. 

Aside from the sustained success, Gilas Women’s has generally been insulated from the overtinkering that has become commonplace with Gilas Men’s. There has been a steady stream of talent from the Philippines and even abroad. The coaching staff has generally been the same and the program is well-entrenched that players can come in and learn the system properly. 

But perhaps there was a need for a new face to serve as the head coach of the Gilas Women’s program. There are times when teams need a fresh face like a shot in the arm and management felt that Aquino was already able to maximize his time with the program. However, this notion is usually more applicable when the losses start piling up, more so during winnable situations. Prior to the win over Colombia, Gilas Women’s had never beaten a non-Asian team and even the victory itself felt like another incremental step in the right direction. 

A leadership change will add a cloud of uncertainty, especially since Aquino’s replacement has yet to be named. There are a handful of capable head coaches in women’s basketball and even program builders who have handled men’s teams that can fill in Aquino’s shoes. Haydee Ong, herself a former national team head coach, has brought the UST Growling Tigresses to podium finishes over the last decade, while Mau Belen has had some success in the 3×3 format. Eric Altamirano recently assumed the head coaching role of the UP Women’s Basketball Team, and he has had experience turning around programs such as that of the NU Bulldogs. 

Regardless of what happens next, Gilas Women’s will need to continue its path forward. The Asian Games will be held in Nagoya, Japan this September and other competitions will be in play and the sooner Patrick Aquino’s successor is named, the better it will be for the program. Continuity has been the hallmark of Gilas Women’s and they can’t let their past success distract them from the fact that the job is far from over.