Mental game now for Dwight.
Over a week before Gilas hosts Lebanon and Jordan in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Dwight Ramos is back in the Philippines.
As a member of the 24-man Gilas pool, Ramos is expected to join the national team’s practice on Thursday night, along with other Filipino overseas ballers and his Japan B.League mates in Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks, and Jordan Heading.
A legitimate concern, however, lingers with Ramos: his ankle, which previously sidelined him for two months. The Saint is on the road to recovery and has since returned to action with the Levanga Hokkaido, his pro team in the B.League. Yet, the question remains, is his ankle now in full health?
“If I don't think about it, it's a hundred [percent],” Ramos, who was at the PhilSports Arena to show support to girlfriend Kim Kianna Dy of F2 Logistics, told One Sports.
“That's all I need to do,” he added.
As the team’s second-leading scorer in the Asian Qualifiers so far, Ramos may need to put on blinders and do whatever it takes to achieve laser focus and get fully healthy. Gilas has had Jordan’s number, defeating them 74-66 in the fifth window. But first, they will face Lebanon, the same team that dealt RP Five an 85-81 defeat in the fourth window last August.
“Lebanon beat us over there, so we're going to try and win. Then try and get another win over Jordan here, show them our home court,” the swingman said.
Aside from helping Gilas get wins, Ramos also has a chance at a little individual accolade if he suits up for the country in the upcoming window. If he makes it to the final 12, he will be the only Filipino to suit up in every game of every window of the Asian Qualifiers. Pretty neat.
“I'm feeling pretty happy. Coaches chose me every time, so far. So hopefully I can keep showing that I can help and hopefully get picked again,” said Ramos.