'Real deal': Fans weigh in on Gilas Pilipinas standouts after China pocket tournament

Gilas Pilipinas ended the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament on Monday night with a win against Iran, completing a 3-1 record in the double round-robin tournament.

And after the initial loss against Senegal, basketball fans are seeing a lot of potential for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, as posted on X (Formerly known as Twitter).

For one thing, more people are joining the hype train for AJ Edu, who had eight points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks against Iran.

That 3 point shot of AJ Edu will be a huge part of his game in the @FIBAWC and moving forward. Hope he develops it further.

— Noli Eala (@NoliEala) August 6, 2023

Good evening to AJ Edu and AJ Edu alone pic.twitter.com/nt4oxqxFhl

— Ryan Alba (@_alba__) August 7, 2023

One fan is hoping that maybe Ranidel de Ocampo could train Edu further.

I hope RDO trains AJ Edu

— Dirk G. Lao (@d1rk_la0) August 7, 2023

Another shoo-in for the fans is Dwight Ramos, who had a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds in the game, along with three assists and a block.

Hay naku, Dwight. You na talaga. Ikaw na talaga. Hindi ka lang talaga gwapo, talented ka pa. Shoo in ka na dapat. Ikaw, Rhenz at AJ Edu. Consistent. #Gilas #GilasPilipinas

— Kat Llemit (@celluloidsurfer) August 7, 2023

Dwight Ramos is the real deal from offense to defense 💯and almost whole game sya naglalaro that says alot

— JBstan (@ble_tere) August 7, 2023

at the half:

9pts dwight ramos
8 pts aj edu

these two are the real deal for gilas based on the tuneups

— Nutty Bryan (@NuttyBryan1) August 7, 2023

For former PBA commissioner and current Power & Play host Noli Eala, Jamie Malonzo should also be kept in the national team.

Jamie Malonzo really fits the international game. He should be a mainstay with Gilas for the foreseeable future.

— Noli Eala (@NoliEala) August 4, 2023

Fans also called on coach Chot Reyes to name Rhenz Abando in the final 12 for the FIBA World Cup, following his stellar performance in the first game against Iran. The Anyang KGC guard did not see action in Monday's matchup.

If I'm Coach Chot, I'll take Rhenz Abando over RR Pogoy, Thirdy Ravena, Oftana if the odd man out boils to them. Would be insane if either Thirdy and RR will be chosen instead of Abando. Abando's athleticism and versatility is a must.

— Ice Ibale (@iceZlicious09) August 5, 2023

Walang playing time for Abando? Hahaha... Pogoy over Abando? Naku po...

— markryan003 (@markryan003) August 7, 2023

Things are expected to go into full swing on Tuesday, as Jordan Clarkson arrived in the Philippines. Reyes earlier said the national basketball team will have two more tune-ups against Montenegro and Mexico a few days before the start of the FIBA World Cup.