The training pool of the Gilas Pilipinas squad that will compete in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers next month is nearly complete with the arrival of Ateneo’s promising wingman, Dwight Ramos.
Ramos arrived at the training bubble inside the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna on Monday following a 14-day quarantine period after his arrival from California. National team manager Gabby Cui confirmed the Ateneo stalwart’s arrival.
Ramos brings to 19 the number of players the national team currently has in its training pool. The only player the Gilas is waiting for is 7-foot-3 NBA prospect Kai Sotto.
Already in the bubble are cadets Javi Gomez de Liano, Dave Ildefonso, Juan Gomez de Liano, Justine Baltazar, Calvin Oftana, William Navarro, Kemark Carino, and Ramos. Also there are special Gilas draftees Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto and former two-time Cesafi MVP Rey Anthony Suerte.
This version of the Gilas only has six PBA players in its pool, namely Kiefer Ravena, Raul Soyud, CJ Perez, Justin Chua, Troy Rosario and Cebuano Roger Ray Pogoy.
Despite the lack of PBA players, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Special Assistant to the President Ryan Gregorio is hoping that fans would not take it against the other pros who decided not to take part in the Gilas pool this time around.
“Ang sinasabi ko nga parati, let us not discuss the players who are not in the bubble, but rather let us talk about players who are in the bubble who are making huge sacrifices personally,” said Gregorio during an appearance on the Power & Play program of former PBA commissioner, Noli Eala. (JNP)