By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
One of the brightest young stars in the current Gilas Pilipinas basketball program just arrived in the nick of time.
Versatile swingman Dwight Ramos of the Ateneo Blue Eagles just arrived from the United States and confirmed that he will just finish the COVID-19 protocols set by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to allow his re-entry to the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
Currently, the young Gilas squad is preparing for the upcoming final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, the 2021 Graz Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and the Belgrade Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The absence of the Gilas veterans and some PBA superstars made it hard for program director coach Tab Baldwin to form the team, one of the things he said that was important in building a team from scratch.
However, the young core headed by Ramos showed decent cohesiveness during their debut in the past window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers where they finished their card undefeated.
“I’m just getting this quarantine. Just got back from the States. Just wait for a week, get my swab, and hopefully get to Inspire,” Ramon shared.
Ramos showed no fear during Gilas’ crucial games in the Manama bubble and averaged an impressive 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per contest.
“Coach Tab has been challenging me to become more vocal to be a better leader. That’s something I’m trying to work on. You can tell, I’m not the loudest person but I’m trying. I’m hoping that when I arrive there, I can be more of a vocal guy to the younger player,” said Ramos.
