Ramos assures Gilas stint
Gilas Pilipinas gets another big boost as Dwight Ramos guaranteed his availability for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers in August.
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes confirmed that the 6-foot-4 playmaker will return for national team duties after getting sidelined in the recent FIBA Asia Cup due to shin splints.
In fact, the Japanese B.League import has already recovered from his injury and began working out in preparation for the tournament.
His presence will be a major addition on Gilas backcourt as he is expected to join Jordan Clarkson in their upcoming games against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
“Dwight is already working out, his injury is much better. He has given us his commitment for the next window,” Reyes said in a radio interview.
Ramos’ absence left a huge void on the Nationals’ disastrous campaign in the Asia Cup.
Dwight is already working out.
The squad sorely missed his offensive firepower with his impressive averages of 15.5 points and seven rebounds during the first round of the qualifiers.
The Philippines suffered a playoff exit to Japan, sending Gilas to their worst Asia Cup output since their ninth place-finish in the 2007 edition in Tokushima.
With Reyes eyeing to widen their lineup options by bringing in Philippine Basketball Association talents soon, he also mentioned the possibility of including NorthPort star Jaime Malonzo in the pool.
The high-flying Filipino-American swingman’s eligibility has recently been cleared by FIBA and can play as a local for Gilas in any international tourney.
“I can already say that we’re going to look at Malonzo (and assess) how he can play with these guys,” Reyes said.
“Can Malonzo play with Carl Tamayo or with Ramos? Those are the things that we are looking at.”