Dwight Ramos sees self a better player after OQT

Dwight Ramos leads Gilas Pilipinas past Taiwan Mustangs in a tune-up game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Dwight Ramos has come a long way, from being an Ateneo prospect to becoming one of the cornerstones for the long-haul Gilas Pilipinas cast.

Because of what he is now, Ramos has been able to showcase his talent on a global platform while continuing to grow his game.

“I [now] know what it takes each game, and I’ve learned how to focus and manage my anxieties even better when playing,” he told the Inquirer in an email interview arranged by Gatorade Philippines and MSL.

Since 2020, Ramos has played for national coaches Tab Baldwin, Chot Reyes and Tim Cone. And while he is not keen on picking which coach he enjoyed playing for the most, Ramos has particular fondness playing for Cone.

“All the coaches have different styles, but they all understand what it takes to compete internationally,” he said. “Coach Tim has been preaching that being together and being disciplined is very important [and] I think that’s what is usually lacking in our play in the Philippines. [That] is something you see more in our training.”

Staying at the point

Ramos fits well in Cone’s scheme of things, finishing as a key figure in the Asia Cup qualifiers, and just recently, the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga where Gilas took down world No. 6 Latvia.

Proof of that was playing the point in Riga, where the squad was an overwhelming underdog but came within two wins of nailing an Olympics berth in Paris. “The OQT was definitely another experience where I was able to see my own weaknesses. That helps me improve my game,” he said.

Ramos was the Philippines’ second-best weapon behind Justin Brownlee, finishing behind the indefatigable naturalized ace in efficiency rating, points and assists through three games.

Ramos knows that when stacked together, these experiences will only help unlock a new dimension in his game.

“All of this experience and training will make me a better team player and person,” he pointed out.

Ramos’ legion of followers and Gilas fans will get to see just that when he suits up once again for the National Five in the continuation of the Asia Cup qualifiers this November as the Philippines hosts New Zealand and Hong Kong at Mall of Asia Arena, hoping to keep their 2-0 record spotless in the event that will determine the cast for the main continental tournament. INQ