Ramos ready for FIBA window

MANILA, Philippines — After sitting out the last SEA Games and FIBA Asia Cup, Dwight Ramos said yesterday he’s ready to suit up for Gilas in the fourth FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window this month and excited to join forces with NBA guard Jordan Clarkson.

Ramos, 23, is now in Los Angeles taking a break with family and recovering from a shin injury but expects to report to Gilas training camp which opens on Aug. 15. While Gilas head coach Chot Reyes hasn’t disclosed who will be in the national pool for the coming window, Ramos is a shoo-in. Clarkson arrives from the US on Aug. 18 and will make his second Gilas appearance after his debut at the 2018 Asian Games.

“I’m excited to play with Clarkson and learn from him,” said Ramos. “Maybe, the first thing I’ll say to him in practice is to rebound for me or pass me the ball. But kidding aside, of course, I’ll introduce myself and welcome him back to Gilas. I’m also excited to play with the PBA stars who’ll likely be in the pool like Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson. Japeth’s super athletic and I’ve watched all his highlights. I think Japeth and Scottie are the two players I’m looking forward to playing with the most. I watch the PBA all the time and follow the players.”

Although Kai Sotto has yet to confirm whether he’ll play in the next window, Ramos said he can’t wait to team up with the 7-3 center again. They were together for three games which Gilas swept in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers last year. Ramos said he never imagined his basketball career to take off as it has since moving to the Philippines. “I didn’t play much in college in the US but I always worked hard to improve so when I got to Manila, all the hard work started to show,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be given this opportunity to play for Gilas and I’m grateful to all the fans for their support.”

Ramos averaged 10 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 46 games for the Toyama Grouses in the Japanese B.League last year and will see action with the Levanga Hokkaido this season. “It’s an honor to represent our country in Japan,” said Ramos. “I’m enjoying Japan and the competition. I take it year by year but ultimately, my goal is to play in the PBA if it’s possible. If I’m asked, for sure I’ll play for the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup and I think the three months of preparation will be enough to get us ready to be competitive.”