De Jesus and Pana Head to South Korea’s WKBL for 2026-27 Season

Two key members of the Gilas Women national team are set to play professionally in South Korea, as Vanessa De Jesus and Alexis Pana have signed contracts with teams in the Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL) for the 2026-27 season.

Pana will suit up for Busan BNK, while De Jesus joins Cheongju KB, continuing the recent trend of Filipino players making strides in overseas professional leagues.

The 27-year-old Pana, a 5-foot-9 combo guard, brings a wealth of international experience. She has previously played professionally in Romania, Germany, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Australia. She also led Pilipinas Aguilas during the inaugural Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) conference.

De Jesus, meanwhile, is embarking on her first professional contract following a standout collegiate career in the United States. The 5-foot-8 guard played five seasons at Duke University before finishing her NCAA eligibility at Notre Dame. She went undrafted in the 2026 WNBA Draft and will now make her pro debut in South Korea.

Both players have proudly represented the Philippines on the international stage. De Jesus has seen action in two FIBA Women’s Asia Cups, while Pana competed in the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series. Their moves to the WKBL further highlight the growing pool of Filipino women’s basketball talent shining abroad.