Gilas too good for Thai squad

MANILA, Philippines — Dwight Ramos is as good as advertised.

Ramos came through with a “perfect” shooting game as all-cadet Gilas Pilipinas overpowered Thailand, 93-61, Friday night in the first of their two duels in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain.

A 20-year-old, 6-foot-5 Ateneo recruit from California, Ramos made all of seven shots he took to finish with a game-high 20 points while displaying the other facets of his game by coming up with seven rebounds, three assists and the same number of steals. He was perfect from the stripe.

“The ball just went in today (Friday). I felt good,” said Ramos on his impressive national team debut.

But Ramos could face tougher defense when they take on the Thais tomorrow night (9 p.m., Philippine time).

It could serve as a gauge on how really good Ramos is after he caught the attention of several college scouts when he suited up for Walnut High School before joining US NCAA Division 1 Cal State Fuller and later Division 2 Cal Poly-Pomona.

Then he decided to join Ateneo where he is expected to play next season.

For Gilas coach Jong Uichico, he was just happy they won despite the lack of preparation.

“Coming into this game, we really were not sure how we’re going to play because of the long layoff and we were just feeling ourselves at the start of the game,” said Uichico.