The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has officially appointed Canadian mentor Burke “BT” Toews as the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Women following an extensive international search process.

The federation selected Toews from a pool of more than a dozen applicants after evaluating candidates from different parts of the world. He now takes over a Philippine women’s national basketball team currently ranked No. 30 in the world by FIBA.

Toews brings winning pedigree

Toews arrives in the Philippines after concluding a highly successful run with the Fujitsu Red Waves in Japan’s Women’s Japan Basketball League. Under his leadership, the Red Waves captured back-to-back league championships in 2024 and 2025 while also winning the prestigious All-Japan Championship.

During his decade-long stint with Fujitsu, Toews guided the club to five Finals appearances and earned three Coach of the Year honors. His success established him as one of the most respected foreign coaches in Japanese basketball.

The veteran tactician owns more than 30 years of coaching experience, beginning as an assistant coach at the University of Winnipeg before eventually building his career in Japan.

He later coached the Canadian Academy at the high school level before taking over expansion club Hyogo Storks in 2011. Toews led the franchise to a B.League Division 2 title in just its second season, securing promotion to the top division.

International experience boosts Gilas

Aside from his success in women’s basketball, Toews also gained experience in Japan’s men’s professional league. He served as head coach of the Hitachi SunRockers Tokyo-Shibuya in the B1 League and worked as an assistant coach for the Toyama Grouses.

“I’m extremely grateful to the SBP for the trust and opportunity,” Toews said following his appointment.

“Philippine basketball has incredible passion, and Philippine women’s basketball has tremendous potential. We want to build a team that is both resilient and aggressive defensively so that we can maximize the offensive talent that exists,” he added.

Toews emphasized his desire to establish a sustainable program capable of competing consistently on the international stage while playing with pace and defensive intensity.

Major tournaments await

The new Gilas Pilipinas Women coach will immediately face a busy schedule as the national team prepares for the 2028 FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament this August.

The squad will also compete in the Asian Games in Japan this September as part of its continued international campaign.

The SBP is likewise preparing for the country’s hosting of the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, which federation officials hope will further elevate women’s basketball in the Philippines and showcase Filipina talent on the continental stage.