Dwight Ramos home for Gilas duty at FIBA World Cup qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines — Dwight Ramos is coming home from Japan, giving a much-needed lift to the crippled Gilas Pilipinas roster for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this month.

Toyama Grouses, his mother team in the Japan B. League, gave full blessing to the Filipino hotshot's departure on Friday in spite of their remaining games this weekend against Ibaraki.

The B. League will have one last schedule next week before it takes on a break for Japan's own campaign in the WC qualifiers, providing an ample time for Ramos to train with the Nationals.

"I'm excited to come back and play for the Philippines to represent my country. I'm excited for everybody so I hope everything goes well," said Ramos, who thanked Toyama for its all-out support.

With the country's relaxation of travel protocols including mandatory quarantine for fully-vaccinated travelers and returning Filipinos, Ramos may immediately join the Gilas training camp under new coach Chot Reyes at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas.

It will be Ramos' second Gilas stint after an impressive debut in the team's 6-0 sweep of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers under Tab Baldwin, whom Reyes recently replaced following the former's resignation.

Ramos then registered 13.8 puntos, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists before taking his act to Japan with averages of 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for Toyama. 

He will be an added firepower to the Gilas team that is tipped to banner by the TNT Tropang Giga core along with naturalized player Ange Kouame, Juan Gomez de Liaño and its remaining cadets.

They will clash against rival South Korea, New Zealand and India in the first window of Group A qualifying games on February 24 to 28 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

Gilas is already in the World Cup proper as host along with Japan but will treat the qualifiers as part of its long preparation. 

Gilas is also hoping for a favorable result in the rescheduled FIBA Asia Cup draw this February 18 following its postponement last month.

The Philippines and 15 other squads will be split into four groups for the continental showpiece on July 12-24 in Indonesia.

Gilas made the tournament after sweeping the qualifiers held in Clark, Pampanga last year.