Gilas Pilipinas Women: Kelli Hayes says team ready for challenge in Jones Cup

The Gilas Pilipinas women’s national team squad will fly to Taiwan soon to participate in the prestigious women’s tournament of the annual Jones Cup.

One of the players lined up for coach Patrick Aquino is Fil-American Kelli Hayes, who played for the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA Division I.

Hayes said she is confident that the national team will be able to handle the challenge from stronger teams like New Zealand and Chinese Taipei in the tournament.

“I know our team and I know we are ready to take on any challenge coming our way,” said Hayes.

Hayes has been recruited since a few years back, and now, she will be able to showcase basketball fans on this side of the globe her repertoire.

Asked about how she is continuing to adjust with the new environment, Hayes also said she is making sure to develop chemistry with her new teammates.

“My game is probably not going to change but I will just pay attention to the details, adjusting to how these girls, different girls playing with me this time,” she said. I’ve been spending time with them, hanging out outside of the court.”