Gilas Pilipinas guard Dwight Ramos during the game against South Korea. Photo from Fiba
MANILA, Philippines—Dwight Ramos may be going to the Japanese B.League for his professional career but he remained committed to the Gilas program.
In an Instagram post, Ramos expressed his committment to stay with the national team, saying he’s ready to wear the country’s colors as long as he’s capable.
“As for the Gilas program, my commitment will always be there as long as I can keep playing at a high level,” said Ramos, who signed with the Toyama Grousers, being the eighth Filipino to sign up to play in Japan.
“To boss MVP [Manny V. Pangilinan] and boss Al [Panlilio] thank you for all your support. I’m always proud to represent the Philippines wherever I go.”
Ramos became part of the Gilas program when he transferred to Ateneo from Cal Poly Pomona in California.
The 6-foot-4 point guard then showed his wares in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers where he became one of the team’s best players, averaging 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.0 steals a game.
Although Ramos never played a single minute for the Blue Eagles in the UAAP, he still thanked Ateneo for taking him and his brother Eli.
“I wish I had the chance to wear Ateneo blue & white in the UAAP. However, due to the circumstances surrounding the pandemic presently and in the foreseeable future, I have decided to take my next step in my growth as a person and as an athlete,” said Ramos.
“Above all things, I am grateful. Grateful for the opportunities that I have been blessed with, grateful for the people who have contributed to my growth as a player and a young man, and grateful for this new chance to make those same people and so many more, proud.”