Guam Referee Rising Star Debuts at FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup

HAGÅTÑA (Guam) - Ernest Aquino has made history as the first-ever FIBA referee from Guam to officiate at a FIBA Asia event, debuting at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in June this year.

Having previously refereed at numerous FIBA events in the Oceania region, including the 2022 FIBA Micronesian Cup,  2022 FIBA U15 Oceania Cup, and the 2023 Pacific Games, Aquino has continued to harness his passion for basketball, pursuing a career in refereeing that led to his FIBA Asia debut.

“To describe my first FIBA Asia event in one word, I’d say ‘professional,’” Aquino said. “The level of competition was incredible, and I learned so much about myself as a referee.  The experience was invaluable.”

Aquino was part of the refereeing crew who officiated China’s first game against Indonesia at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup, with the Chinese sensation, Zhang Ziyu making her debut for the host country, throwing down 19 points in 15 minutes.

“Officiating Zhang Ziyu was a great experience, she’s a very impressive player,” Aquino said.  “After this game, international social media channels lit up with her debut, I was in the background of some shots, and everyone was asking me how it was to referee such a player.  All I could do was laugh it off and redirect the focus back to the main event, which was Zhang Ziyu.”

The exposure to elite-level basketball has further developed Aquino's skills, particularly in decision-making and mental stamina.

“The game is fast-paced, and you need to be switched on for the entire 40 minutes,” he said.  “Developing mental techniques to manage pressure has been crucial.”

Aquino is eager to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of Guam referees.  “I want to create opportunities for young officials to develop their skills,” he said. “Building a strong refereeing pipeline in Guam is a long-term goal.”

His selection for the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup was a testament to his growth and development as a referee.  Aquino shared the court with some of Asia’s most promising young basketball players, and his performance will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Guam officials.

“I feel honoured to have represented Guam at this prestigious event,” Aquino said.  “I really enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to learn from some of the best referees in Asia and from around the world.”

Next up for Aquino is the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup as he strives to keep improving his craft at a FIBA level. 

“I am constantly trying to increase my knowledge and improve myself as a referee in all areas,” he said.  “I am really excited about the next FIBA Micronesian Cup and Pacific Games in the coming years.  If the opportunity presents itself, I would like to continue to referee at a FIBA events and be considered for other high-level senior competitions in the region.”