GILAS Pilipinas Women head coach BT Toews is embracing a full-circle moment as the Philippines prepares to face host Japan in the 2026 Asian Games.
Toews spent 35 years in Japan, making Tuesday’s matchup more than just another game on the schedule.
“Yeah, well, this is not just my last coaching assignment. This is my life here 35 years in Japan. So it’s more to me like, it’s really nice to come home. I’ve only been away for four months, and by the way, I love coaching my team,” Toews said.
Despite his deep connection to Japan, Toews said his focus will shift completely once the game begins.
“But when the game comes, I’ll be completely focused and probably acting like a crazy man on the sidelines, trying to do this and that,” he said.
The Gilas Women coach also acknowledged the challenge of facing Japan, but believes the Philippines has a legitimate chance to pull off the upset.
“Nobody can say that there’s no way we can win, right? We can definitely win this game, but we’re going to need a better performance,” Toews said.
Gilas Women enter the matchup with a 2-0 record after beating Hong Kong, 90-73, to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
For Stefanie Berberabe, however, the knockout stage can wait.
The 21-point scorer against Hong Kong said the team is taking its campaign one game at a time, with Japan now the only thing on their minds.
“Yes, I think definitely taking it game by game, day by day. I’m very excited to play Japan. I love the challenge. I’m excited to see what Coach BT has planned for us just because he’s so familiar with the style of Japanese basketball,” she said.
Berberabe also believes the Philippines can make the game competitive if the team plays at its best.
“And I believe that our team, if we can play our best basketball, we can put up a game with them,” Berberabe added.
With many viewing Gilas Women as the underdogs against the host nation, Berberabe is more than willing to embrace the role.
“I feel like many people see us as the underdogs, so I’m up for it. I love the challenge. I’m excited to see, it’s okay to be the underdog. Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with that, so I’m excited,” she said.
Gilas Women face Japan on Tuesday noon, with a group-stage sweep on the line before the Philippines turns its attention to the quarterfinals. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
