Photo: W League Official

By Nate Castillo

Japan-based mentor Burke “BT” Toews will take over as Gilas Pilipinas Women’s head coach.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Wednesday the appointment of the Fujitsu Red Waves tactician as replacement for Pat Aquino.

“After months of searching across continents and with more than a dozen applicants, the SBP selected a Canadian coach based in Japan to lead the squad, which currently ranks 30th in the world according to FIBA (International Basketball Federation),” according to SBP’s official statement.

“In his ten seasons with Fujitsu, he led the team to the Finals five times and earned three Coach of the Year awards.”

Photo: W League Official

The 60-year-old coach is bringing in a system that has brought Fujitsu to winning back-to-back titles in the Women’s Japan Basketball League in 2024 and 2025.

Toews also steered the Red Waves to an All-Japan Championship and a runner-up finish in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia.

The new Gilas Women’s coach inherits a veteran-filled squad led by Afril Bernardino and Jack Animam and rising stars Naomi Panganiban and Kacey dela Rosa.

Toews will get a baptism of fire with Gilas in the upcoming William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei in July.

Gilas Women are also preparing for the Philippines’ hosting of the 2027 FIBA Asia Cup.