Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is turning to Dwight Ramos to lead the team’s offense for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) next week. The 25-year-old star will bolster the backcourt alongside veterans Chris Newsome and CJ Perez, stepping up in the absence of point guard Scottie Thompson, who is sidelined with a back injury.
Ramos is embracing the challenge presented by the coaching staff, acknowledging the team’s readiness to fill in for Thompson. “He’s a big loss. We’re trying to pick up his plays, but it’s big shoes to fill,” Ramos remarked following their 74-64 victory against the Taiwan Mustangs in a friendly match. “I wish he was here, but as long as he gets out of here and comes back, that’s all that matters.”
Although primarily playing as a shooting guard in his professional career in Japan’s B. League and his previous national team assignments, Ramos is not unfamiliar with the point guard position. He was prepared for the role by Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin before his intended collegiate stint with the Blue Eagles in the UAAP.
“Couple of years ago with Coach Tab, he was preparing me for this role,” Ramos shared. “So I just kept on working on it and I got a chance now to do that so I just got to do my best.”
Gilas Pilipinas will face tough opponents in the OQT starting July 4, and Ramos is committed to making the most of this opportunity to lead the team.