The new Gilas Pilipinas basketball jersey by adidas. ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas will be donning new threads when they represent the country on the international stage this month.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and adidas on Thursday revealed the new kits of the national men's and women's basketball teams.
The sports apparel giant will also be the official outfitter of the Gilas Youth, 3x3, 5x5 and eFIBA teams.
"This is an exciting new chapter for Gilas Pilipinas, SBP announcing our partnership with adidas not just for Gilas Men but all the Gilas teams," SBP president Al Panlilio said during the press event.
"This is not just a partnership in terms of just changing the uniform or brand. It really symbolizes sheer commitment in really developing the Filipino talent and elevating our game on the international stage," he added.
Adidas Philippines country manager Dave Sexton said the new jersey will have three components including an updated AEROREADY technology, which is "designed to wick moisture and keep athletes dry" during the game.
"Equally beyond the performance, there are two real components that we put into this jersey. One is the adidas legacy of course. But I think the national pride of basketball in this nation for Gilas team, SBP, etc. So you will see the Philippine flag coming from this jersey," he explained.
"The adidas legacy is the iconic three stripes which is also coming on this jersey," Sexton added.
Two kits were shown at the press event in Makati City, the blue and white versions which features #15 of Gilas Men's Junemar Fajardo and #11 of Gilas Women's Kaye Pingol.
"Complementing the technical aspects of the kit is a design that reflects the heart of Filipino basketball. The home jersey features a bold royal blue base with adidas’ iconic three stripes in red along the side panels — a nod to both national pride and Adidas’ legacy," the press release stated.
"The away jersey offers a clean white look with matching red stripes. Both designs are unified by a golden sun at the neckline, symbolizing the strength and spirit of the Philippines," it further read.
Panlilio said the jersey unveiled on Thursday is just version one and they will continue to develop this for next year.
The Gilas Women's team will debut the kit this month at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Shenzen, China; while the Gilas Men's squad will suit up in the new kits in August at the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The SBP president also called on Filipinos to support the Gilas teams.
"Adidas is extremely proud to stand by SBP and Gilas as we begin this journey together as they continue to bring pride to the Filipino nation both here and abroad playing locally and internationally," Sexton said.
Filipino fans can cop their own jerseys during the first wave on July 26, ahead of the tune-up game of Gilas and the Macau Black Bears on July 28.
The initial drop will be available at adidas Brand Center Glorietta and adidas Home of Sport TriNoma, while the wider release will be in September.
A portion of the proceeds will support SBP programs that aim to nurture the next generation of basketball talent.
Last May, adidas was announced as the new outfitter of all Gilas teams, marking a new chapter in Philippine basketball.