Afril Bernardino makes FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup Women's Team 2026

April 7 ------ AFRIL Bernardino proved she belonged after being named to the women’s team of the just-concluded FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore. The Gilas Pilipinas Women stalwart joined Australia’s Kristy Wallace and Zhang Zhiting of China in the three-woman unit that serves as 3x3’s version of the mythical team. Wallace was named tournament MVP.

In his return to the half-court game, the 30-year-old Bernardino of National University led the Philippines to a breakthrough silver-medal finish in the annual meet which concluded on Sunday at the OCBC Arena. The Philippines lost to Australia in the gold-medal match, 18-9.

A slight confusion emerged though, as the FIBA 3x3 website posted two contrasting results of the All-Asia Cup team. One post on the outcome of the men and women’s finals had Bernadino mentioned as part of the women’s team of the tournament along with a photo of the two other winners, while another post regarding the members of both the men and women’s All-Asia Cup selection had center Kacey Dela Rosa as part of the selection. But the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said it’s Bernardino who ended up with the award as she had the highest players’ value at 36.7 among the Gilas quartet of Dela Rosa, Mikka Cacho, and Cheska Apag.

A three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medal winner and a three-time UAAP MVP, Bernardino previously suited up as part of the Gilas women’s team in the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.

Source: spin.ph