Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos during a Japan B.League game. –BLEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Levanga Hokkaido captain Dwight Ramos is ready to embrace bigger challenges and responsibilities in his fourth Japan B.League season.
Ramos, playing his third season with Hokkaido, is striving to be his team’s glue guy after being named the skipper for the 2024-25 season, which tips off on October 3.
“It’s just talking more with the guys, trying to get everybody together, keeping everybody seeing each other during the game,” Ramos told reporters in the B.League’s online media availability on Thursday.
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“We’ve been working pretty much every day, working hard, building chemistry, of course. A lot of preseason games and we’re just gonna keep getting better,” he added.
The Gilas Pilipinas star, who played a vital role in the national team in the Fiba World Cup and this year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, is grateful remain a part of the Levanga Hokkaido.
“I just love it here. The coaches, the staff, GM, everybody — they make me feel valued here and wanted so that’s pretty much all you can ask for, the players, the organization that believes in you,” he said.
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The 26-year-old Filipino-American guard said he’s already used to playing in Japan since he took his act in 2021 with his first team Toyama Grouses.
“I already know the schedule of the games, it’s always tough so I figured out how to take care of myself and be ready for [back-to-back] games which is a big part of the league,” said Ramos. “ It’s still hard even though when you’re adjusted. You know it’s coming, you just gotta be ready, it’s a lot of mental strength, mental toughness.”
Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido are eager to rise from a 17-43 finish last year.