Big thumbs up for Dwight Ramos in the current Gilas build-up under the helms of coach Tim Cone.
Dwight Ramos has become a major staple in the Gilas Pilipinas program, competing for teams under coach Tab Baldwin and Chot Reyes.
Now, Ramos gets to play for a Gilas team under the great Tim Cone, who now emphasizes building team chemistry and camaraderie as he looks to lock up a solid 12-man team for years to come.
That new development, the elimination of pools in favor of one long-term team, excites Dwight.
“I like it. I think it's a good idea. Just keeping the same players and [it] kind of helps you build chemistry and keep building without [having] too many changes. So I think it's a good idea and I’m excited [about] it,” Ramos told One Sports.
With different coaches naturally implementing their own unique approach to forming the national team, the 24-year-old Levanga Hokkaido guard is not one to compare. Instead, he just says he’s looking forward to experiencing something new this time around.
“I wouldn’t say it's better, but I think it’s something [that] I’ve not done before, like the other teams were a little bit different but I’m looking forward to it, I think it’s a good idea so we’ll see,” Ramos added.
ALSO READ: Tim Cone sets tone to start Gilas camp: 'The whole idea is we stick together'
Ramos, alongside Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, are expected to be the Gilas cornerstones for the future, with their first chance to build a strong foundation coming by way of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Window 1 opens Thursday, and having a strong start is key as playing more games breed familiarity for our national team, says Dwight.
“We just wanna make sure we qualify for the Asia Cup so we're gonna keep winning. But in terms of the team, we just wanna keep building, keep getting better, so this is just the starting block,” Ramos added
ALSO READ: Guide to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)