They were asked to name three, but they unanimously chose one.
They may have experienced it all, but former Gilas Pilipinas members Jayson Castro, Jeff Chan, and Gary David still get giddy whenever the team competes in international competitions.
Well, especially this upcoming FIBA World Cup in Manila.
Asked who they are excited to see play in FIBA’s grandest stage, the three unanimously chose Dwight Ramos, with Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson already a given.
“Ang laki ng katawan, ang tangkad niya sa posisyon niya. Akala mo hindi mabilis pero pag gumalaw, pag gusto niya umiskor talagang nakaka-contribute siya,” David said of the Levanga Hokkaido guard, who once impressed with some spotless shooting in a 93-61 win over Thailand in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Chan agreed.
“Consistent siya throughout the tuneup games,” said Chan, who was with David in the Cebu leg of the Naismith Trophy tour.
Another name who came up was six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, who will be in his third World Cup stint should he make it in the final 12.
“Of course si Abai. Siya yung no. 1 big man natin na threat e,” said Chan.
Other players who got some love from the Gilas icons were Cjay Perez, Scottie Thompson, and Kai Sotto, who has been recently cleared to play.
Things are looking up for the team, which will take on Karl-Anthony Towns’ Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in less than two weeks.
Castro, who was hailed Asia’s best point guard twice, believes this version of Gilas can even surpass their 2014 team, which notched a historic win against Senegal.
“Confident naman ako na kaya nila lampasan ‘yun kasi ‘yung preparation at ‘yung camp nila, I think magbubunga ‘yun.” said Castro, who is also in Davao for FIBA's coveted trophy.
The FIBA World Cup is set to tip off on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. After taking on the Dominican Republic on opening day, Gilas will next take on Angola, followed by Italy, both at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad, One Sports Digital)