Gilas Pilipinas scored a win finally at the expense of China via a 96-75 rout on their fifth and final outing in the FIBA World Cup Saturday night but it seems that for coach Chot Reyes (left) there is nothing much to cheer about. Gilas dropped its first four games in the world’s biggest basketball tourney, missing punching an outright slot for the 2024 Olympics in France.
MANILA — Chot Reyes made the decision to step down as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas immediately after the team’s victorious conclusion to their 2023 FIBA World Cup journey against China.
“Clearly, our performance fell short. We didn’t meet expectations, and as I mentioned in our last game, I take full responsibility for that. Therefore, I believe it’s time for me to step aside,” Reyes expressed during the postgame press conference following Gilas’ impressive 96-75 victory over China on Saturday night.
“I prefer not to use the term ‘resign’ because I’m not one to quit. I’m not a quitter. I want to emphasize that to everyone who may wonder. However, I took on this role with the understanding that I needed to deliver results, and I did not achieve that. So, I think it’s best for me to step down and allow the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) to make decisions that benefit the team and the program.”
In front of an audience of 11,080 dedicated fans who braved heavy rain to support Gilas in their final classification round match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Filipino team exhibited remarkable energy, fueled by the scorching shooting of their naturalized player, Jordan Clarkson.
As the final buzzer sounded, Gilas concluded a rollercoaster FIBA World Cup journey with a victory, which came after four heartbreaking losses during the tournament that cost the Philippines an automatic spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Reyes clarified that he had not received any communication from SBP since the team was officially eliminated from Olympic contention following a disappointing 87-68 loss to South Sudan in the classification round on Thursday night.
“No, I haven’t heard from the management. This is my decision. As everyone knows, I didn’t seek this job; I didn’t volunteer for it. I was entrusted with this responsibility. I had already retired from coaching the national team, and throughout this time, I’ve consistently said that we should be judged based on our performance in the World Cup, regardless of what occurred between my appointment and today. I’ve always maintained that we should be evaluated on our performance,” explained Reyes, who played a pivotal role in bringing the Philippines back to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1978.
Reyes was credited with guiding the Philippines back to the world stage when they defeated long-standing rivals South Korea during the 2013 FIBA Asia Men’s Championship in Manila, earning a ticket to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain.
During that tournament, the Philippines, bolstered by naturalized big man and former Brooklyn Nets player Andray Blatche, pushed world-class opponents like Croatia, Argentina, Greece, and Puerto Rico to the brink of defeat, with narrow losses.
Gilas ended the tournament on a high note with an 81-79 overtime victory over Senegal, marking a significant achievement for the country on the global stage, the best since their 2-5 record in the 1974 FIBA World Cup in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (ai/mnm)
Although the Group Phase has concluded for Gilas Pilipinas, their determination remains unwavering. Despite a 0-3 performance, the Philippines’ focus has shifted towards two crucial classification games that will determine their destiny in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
With no intention of surrender, the Philippines pushes forward, eyeing their chances in these two upcoming matches.
The first match is set for Thursday, August 31, followed by the second on September 2.
These encounters hold the potential to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, as the highest-ranking Asian team from the World Cup will represent the region.
While the final standings in Group B are yet to be determined, Serbia currently holds a secure position at No. 1 with a 2-0 record.
This leaves China, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan as potential pathways for Gilas Pilipinas to earn their ticket to Paris, with the definitive placements to be revealed on Wednesday.
The upcoming match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday will require substantial support from fans, given its significance.
Despite the Philippines’ winless streak in Group A, the dream of participating in the Olympics persists within the hearts of every Filipino.
Gilas Pilipinas is poised to face off against the third and fourth-place teams from Group B, marking crucial showdowns.
Anticipation for the game is high, with a sold-out crowd anticipated to wear blue in solidarity with the team’s unwavering spirit.
The clash is scheduled for an 8 p.m. tip-off, and Gilas Pilipinas is mentally prepared for another challenging battle.
“We’re incredibly motivated. Our motivation has been there from the start. Our team possesses strength and resilience, consistently fighting until the final moments of the game,” stated Jordan Clarkson, reflecting on the team’s valiant effort against Italy, despite a narrow loss of 90-83.
Clarkson believes that the Philippines is on the brink of discovering the winning formula, poised to make the final push to overcome challenges. Despite narrow defeats against Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy, the team remains determined.
“We’ve always felt that we’re in every game. We fight relentlessly and possess the strength to rally. We’re capable of turning things around and securing these two victories. We understand the significance, both for us and our nation. We’re giving it our all,” declared the standout player of Gilas Pilipinas.
The race for the solitary Olympic slot allocated to Asia remains fiercely contested, with Japan leading the charge after finishing the initial round with a 1-2 record. Carrying over their 0-3 record from the Group Phase, Gilas Pilipinas hopes for losses from Japan and other Asian teams, while they secure victories to emerge as the highest-ranked Asian team in the tournament.
Coach Chot Reyes had Paris and the Olympics on his mind even prior to the Italy game.
“Our focus is on delivering 40 minutes of solid basketball because our goal is to qualify for the Olympics,” affirmed Reyes. “I’m not fixated on the numbers. What matters to me is earning that Olympic berth.” (ai/mnm)
Group A Final Standings
Dominican Republic 3-0
Italy 2-1
Angola 1-2
Philippines 0-3
MANILA – Italy simply proved too hot to handle for Team Gilas Pilipinas.
As if working like a well-oiled machine, Italy buried the Nationals with three-point daggers resulting in a 90-83 victory while dousing cold any hopes that Gilas Pilipinas nurtured of barging into the next round in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
The Nationals came into the game greatly hoping to grab a 12-point victory but Italy proved unstoppable from beyond the perimeter by bombing away with 17 triples in all.
It was Italy’s second victory in three games while the Philippines absorbed its third straight loss in as many outings and out of contention for the next round.
A huge hometown crowd filled the Araneta Coliseum but their presence failed to stop Italy from raiing down daggers from beyond the arc that came down almost at will, like missiles.
Into the final five minutes of play, Italy buried its 17th three-point in the game that gave them an unassailable 88-71 edge.
Gilas mounted its final stand via a 13-2 run that closed the gap to within seven points, 81-88, entering the final two minutes of play.
They tried to push it nearer to within four points but Kiefer Ravena’s triple try on their next ball possession rimmed out.
Two more free throws from Italy and a Ravena lay-up sealed the game.
Italy took the half ahead by nine (9), 48-39. PH lead by three at the end of the first canto, 23-20.
In Gilas’ initial match against the Dominican Republic on opening day last Friday (25 August 2023), the Nationals suffered a defeat with a score of 80-87, as they lost momentum in the fourth quarter.
Some quarters argue that the outcome could have favored Gilas Pilipinas had not main man Jordan Clarkson fouled out in the final three minutes of play due to consecutive fouls.
Moving on to Gilas’ second game on Sunday (27 August 2023) against Angola, the Nationals took the lead after the first quarter with a score of 19-12.
However, they once again struggled to maintain a strong defense and effective offense in the next three quarters.
The home team even managed to build an 11-point lead at one point, but unfortunately, they ended up losing their second match.
The downturn for Team PH came when Angola scored three consecutive three-pointers midway in the final quarter, turning a close three-point game into a 15-point lead.
Angola never looked back from there. (ai/mnm)
SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios (Malaya Business Insight courtesy)
Gilas’ journey to the next stage remains a possibility, according to a high-ranking official from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). The executive director of SBP issued a call to all Filipinos to stand in solidarity with Gilas Pilipinas as they compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
This call comes as Gilas finds themselves in a must-win scenario leading up to their concluding Group A match against Italy at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Tuesday night.
Sonny Barrios, the executive director of SBP, emphasized the application of the political concept of unity to basketball. He urged against forsaking the national team in their hour of need, especially following two defeats. He remarked, “Now is not the time for us to abandon our own national team. This is not the time. In fact, this is the time when they need our support. Let’s show them our concern and prayers, that in some way, they will succeed. Because they are genuinely giving their all.”
In their tournament opener last Friday, Gilas narrowly missed a victory against the Dominican Republic, with a final score of 87-81, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 38,000 fans at the Philippine Arena. Subsequently, on Sunday night, they surrendered a substantial lead and were defeated by Angola with a score of 80-70 at the Big Dome. This loss not only jeopardized their advancement to the group stage but also their chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics as the top Asian team in the World Cup.
Despite the setback against Angola, there’s still a path for the Philippines to progress to the second round of the competition. However, the fate of Gilas isn’t entirely within their control: they need to secure a victory against Italy by a margin of at least 13 points on Tuesday. Additionally, they must hope that the Dominican Republic prevails over Angola in their own matchup. A win against Italy would secure their advancement to the next round.
Barrios underscored the unpredictability of outcomes in sports, stating, “You can never tell how we will fare.” He encouraged Filipino fans not to abandon the national team, noting that unexpected victories have occurred, such as Japan’s triumph over Finland and the Dominican Republic’s upset against Italy. He remained hopeful, saying, “The saying in basketball that the ball is round holds true. We can’t predict. With a bit of luck, numerous prayers, an abundance of prayers, we might just succeed.”
Furthermore, Barrios reported that there have been no criticisms about the Philippines’ hosting of the World Cup thus far. He expressed satisfaction, saying, “We are pleased to inform you that we have received nothing but praises from FIBA, the international federation, about our preparation and organization of this World Cup. We can all take pride in that achievement.”
The Philippines is collaborating with Japan and Indonesia as co-hosts for the World Cup, with the concluding phase of the tournament set to take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. (ai/mnm)
Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News
MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas faces a significant challenge in moving past their well-known fourth-quarter breakdown against the Dominican Republic on the opening day Friday night. Their primary focus now is shifting towards the crucial match against Angola in the FIBA World Cup.
Scheduled to play against Angola at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, the national team understands the need for adjustments, especially after reviewing their performance against the Dominicans.
Coach Chot Reyes expressed his thoughts on the matter, saying, “We committed 19 turnovers, and that was a significant factor,” following their 87-81 loss to the Dominicans on Friday. “We had a better shooting performance than the Dominicans, but they had more attempts than we did.”
Ranked 41st, the Angolan team, led by Atlanta Hawks’ Bruno Fernando, displayed resilience against Italy for the first three quarters until the Italians took control in the final period, finishing with an 81-67 score.
Reyes emphasized the importance of preparation for the Angolan defensive strategy. He mentioned, “Angola applies ball pressure similar to the Dominican Republic, so we definitely need to make adjustments in our offensive approach.”
Moreover, Reyes stressed the need to minimize turnovers and increase their aggression in offensive rebounds. He noted, “Our main issue (against the Dominicans) was the 19 turnovers and allowing 17 offensive rebounds. We must ensure that we can handle Angola’s defensive pressure effectively,” Reyes added. (AI/MNM)
Gilas Pilipinas in the thick of things (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News)
BULACAN — In the inaugural match of the FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas failed to maintain their momentum in the first three quarters and allowed a hugely taller Dominican Republic squad to secure a hard-fought 87-81 victory before a record 38,000 spectators at the Philippine Arena here.
Gilas held a narrow three-point lead, 72-69, thanks to Jordan Clarkson’s successful free throws with just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter. However, this advantage quickly slipped away. The Dominican Republic responded with consecutive three-pointers, the last one coming from Karl-Anthony Towns, propelling them ahead at 75-72 with 5:58 on the clock.
Despite their efforts, Gilas managed to stay competitive, narrowing the gap to 74-75 and then 77-76 through Junmar Fajardo’s free throws and jumper. Unfortunately, this was the last significant surge from the national team. A critical five-second inbound violation occurred at the 3:50 mark, halting their momentum.
Jordan Clarkson led the scoring for Gilas Pilipinas with 28 points, while Junmar Fajardo contributed 16 points.
Throughout the first half, the tenacity of Team Gilas Pilipinas was evident. They prevented the Dominican Republic from extending their lead beyond six points, maintaining a tight game at 17-11. Earl Scottie Carreon Thompson’s three-pointer disrupted the opposition’s efforts to build a larger lead, bringing the Nationals back into contention at 17-14.
As the first half concluded, Gilas managed to level the score at 42-42 thanks to a slam dunk by Rhenz Abando. Abando, a 6-foot-2 professional basketball player, had previously played for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association before joining Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League. He began his college basketball journey with the UST Growling Tigers.
Gilas Pilipinas (Photo from FIBA)
MANILA – Now it can be told.
The lineup of 12 individuals designated to represent the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has been unveiled.
Al Panlilio, the President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), officially disclosed the finalized roster of Gilas Pilipinas to ABS-CBN News.
Outlined below is the list of 12 players comprising the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the World Cup:
Rhenz Abando
Japeth Aguilar
Jordan Clarkson
AJ Edu
June Mar Fajardo
Jamie Malonzo
CJ Perez
RR Pogoy
Dwight Ramos
Kiefer Ravena
Kai Sotto
Scottie Thompson
The Philippines will embark on their World Cup journey commencing on August 25, squaring off against the Dominican Republic.
Anticipated to be in the presence of a record-breaking audience at the Philippine Arena, this event marks the start of their campaign.
(ai/mnm)
Team Gilas Pilipinas poses with the national team of Ivory Coast following a tune-up game on Friday night. (Photo courtesy of the SBP).
MANILA — The Gilas Pilipinas basketball team is poised to wrap up its series of preparatory matches ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a face-off against Mexico.
Scheduled for Monday at 8:00 PM, the Philippine team will clash with Mexico, currently ranked 31st in the world, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Drawing on their experience from the 2014 World Cup in Spain, Mexico relies on their dynamic playmakers and lethal shooting prowess, which have led to several remarkable upsets against the United States over the past two years.
Leading the charge for Mexico are key offensive contributors such as Paul Stoll, Pako Cruz, Orlando Mendez, and Gabriel Giron, while Daniel Amigo and Joshua Ibarra will anchor the team’s presence in the paint.
Coming off a recent friendly game against Montenegro, Gilas will utilize this contest to further integrate Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto, and Scottie Thompson into their system, aiming to reduce the turnover count that reached 18 in their previous match.
In reference to the new additions to the team, former Philippines head coach and current Serbia mentor Rajko Toroman, who observed the Ivory Coast tuneup, commented, “This is the first game with Jordan Clarkson. They need time to iron out everything, to build the chemistry. But you can see that Clarkson brings a lot to the game; he showcased dominant play here. It’s just a matter of establishing chemistry among all the players.”
Toroman, also a former consultant for Barako Bull, praised the current crop of national team players, asserting, “They possess size and all-around skills, even players with international exposure like Kiefer Ravena and Dwight Ramos. I believe this is the strongest team in the history of Philippine basketball.”
On the other side of the court, the Filipino squad faces similarities in their game against Montenegro, where they encountered the challenge of Chicago Bulls star Nikola Vucevic. Standing at 6-foot-9, the former Orlando Magic center presents an array of offensive skills, reminiscent of Karl Anthony-Towns, who will lead the Dominican Republic in their inaugural match at the Philippine Arena on the 25th. (ai/mnm)
Coach Chot Reyes (Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net)
With less than three weeks remaining until Gilas Pilipinas’ debut game at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, national coach Chot Reyes is confronted with the formidable task of selecting the final 12 players from the current 20-man pool.
Undoubtedly, this assignment comes with its own set of complexities, given the dedication and sweat the players have poured into their preparation, coupled with the setbacks they’ve encountered due to injuries.
Reflecting on the 2007 FIBA Asia Cup in Tokushima, China, during his previous stint as head coach, Reyes recalled the process of trimming the team to the final 12 as an exceedingly arduous one.
“In the 2007 Tokushima tournament, our final decisions included leaving out James Yap, RDO (Ranidel de Ocampo), and Tony dela Cruz. Narrowing it down to the final 12 was an incredibly demanding task,” shared Reyes in a recent video interview with former PBA commissioner Noli Eala on his Power and Play sports program.
“The upcoming selection process (for the 2023 Gilas roster) will be equally challenging; it’s an integral aspect of the job,” he added.
However, knowing that finalizing the Gilas 12 is an unavoidable facet of his role, the 60-year-old national coach has set forth a specific set of criteria for the players who will make the cut.
“I’ve consistently emphasized that players must align with our desired style of play, complement each other’s strengths, and be in peak physical condition,” explained Reyes, whose team is presently competing in the three-nation 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in Guangdong, China.
“These factors will carry as much weight as the players’ tenure with the group.”
Nevertheless, Reyes expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming World Cup challenge, acknowledging that he will undertake one of the most significant tests of his basketball career with a dedicated group of players.
“To be completely honest, I’m excited. However, I’m also apprehensive about finalizing the roster, as those decisions will undoubtedly be incredibly tough. Nonetheless, I’m invigorated and inspired by the team’s camaraderie,” shared Reyes, who just last May guided Gilas to recapture the gold medal in men’s basketball at the Southeast Asian Games, triumphing over a Cambodia team bolstered by several foreign players.
Highlighting the resilience of the 13-man Gilas squad competing in Heyuan, who endured a grueling six-hour bus journey to the playing venue before facing a tall and versatile Senegalese team, Reyes noted, “Even so, our Gilas players faced off against Senegal, a formidable team boasting several 7-footers. I observed the team’s resilience and determination firsthand.”
“When you have players of such caliber, it instills excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead,” he added.
At the time of this post, Gilas is set to face Senegal once more on Sunday evening before concluding their competition in China against Iran’s B Team on Monday night. (ai/mnm)
Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the FIBA World Cup are once again hindered by injuries, this time affecting TNT’s seasoned center, John Paul “Poy” Erram, who is grappling with an arthritic knee.
According to Gilas’ physical therapist, Dexter Aseron, the 6-foot-8 Erram is under the care of Dr. Marc Castro, a respected Filipino orthopedic surgeon from the Makati Medical Center.
The persistent issue with Erram’s knee has been identified as arthritis, and it has been a cause of concern for the player.
Aseron revealed that they have been carefully managing Erram’s condition, especially given his history of knee surgeries, which he underwent during his UAAP days as part of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“He’s had a number of previous surgeries on both knees dating back to college,” shared Aseron, who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences and currently serves as both Gilas and TNT’s strength and conditioning coach.
While they await Dr. Castro’s final recommendation, they have not ruled out Erram’s participation in the final 12 of the Gilas roster.
The 34-year-old player is presently focused on knee strengthening, and his availability for selection will depend on how he responds to the treatment in the coming days.
Despite this setback, the team remains hopeful that Erram will recover in time to contribute to Gilas Pilipinas’ endeavors.
(ai/mnm)
As the 29-year-old FIBA Basketball World Cup attendance record beckons to be shattered, and the renowned Philippine Arena aims to add another milestone to its illustrious history, Gilas Pilipinas is ready to take center stage.
The team will proudly step onto the grand stage of the 55,000-capacity Philippine Arena on August 25, followed by the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 27 and 29, with a singular focus – to defend its homecourt at any cost.
Rivals from distant lands will be converging upon the Philippines – Dominican Republic from the Caribbean, Angola from Africa, and Italy from fabulous Europe.
Placed in Group A, the Philippines faces the task of conquering at least two of these formidable opponents to secure their spot in the second round of the Group Stage. In the next phase, the top two teams from Group B, comprising South Sudan, Serbia, China, and Puerto Rico, eagerly await.
The anticipation for the tournament is soaring, with fans eager to witness history unfold.
The host nation has a singular chance to surpass the previous spectator record of 32,616, set during the 1994 FIBA World Cup championship between the United States Dream Team II and Russia.
The Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, will be the battleground where this epic attempt at breaking the record will take place.
The colossal Philippine Arena holds a standing gate record of 54,589 for a sporting event, established during Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals last January, making it an ideal venue for the upcoming basketball extravaganza.
On August 25, all eyes will be on the Philippine Arena, with the possibility of a local inter-agency task force declaring it a special public holiday to facilitate fans’ attendance.
While setting a new attendance record would be remarkable, the ultimate triumph for Gilas Pilipinas would be securing a victory over the formidable Dominican Republic, ranked 23rd in the world, with the support of a roaring hometown crowd. Such a win would infuse the team with invaluable momentum for their subsequent matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In the subsequent matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the iconic Sixth Man, the passionate Filipino basketball fans, will once again play a crucial role as Gilas Pilipinas faces Angola, ranked 41st, and Italy, ranked 10th in the FIBA standings. The support of the home crowd could provide the necessary fortitude for the team to excel, especially during challenging moments.
With its rich history, the Smart Araneta Coliseum has witnessed legendary sporting events, including the unforgettable “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975, and the 1978 FIBA World Championship. The atmosphere inside the packed arena has the potential to ignite the team’s performance and intimidate their opponents.
In previous editions of the FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas faced daunting challenges without the support of their home crowd and fell short in some closely contested games. However, this time, with the advantage of playing on home soil, the narrative could be different.
The fervent Filipino fans, armed with foam fingers, balloon sticks, placards, and posters, are ready to rally behind their national team. The desire for payback and the determination to protect their own turf will serve as powerful incentives and motivations for Gilas Pilipinas.
As the record crowd chants resound in both the Philippine Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum, one thing is clear: the team is determined to make a bold statement – NOT IN OUR TURF!
(ai/mnm)
In the lead-up to the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes has been forthright in expressing the team’s objective — to emerge as the top Asian team. Such an achievement would secure a coveted spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Gilas Pilipinas finds itself grouped with the Dominican Republic (ranked 23rd in the world), Angola (41st), and Italy (ranked 10th) in Group A during the opening round.
Meanwhile, China, a 16-time Asian champion, is placed in Group B alongside sixth-ranked Serbia, Puerto Rico (ranked 20th), and South Sudan (ranked 62nd).
Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the second group phase, while the bottom two teams will enter the classification phase.
Gilas faces challenges, including injury concerns and the absence of key players like Kai Sotto and NBA star Jordan Clarkson from team practice. With just a month left, the team is striving to develop a cohesive unit that can secure crucial victories during the group stage.
Before the FIBA World Cup, the Philippine team is scheduled to participate in a pocket tournament in Guangdong, China, where they will compete against Iran, Lebanon, and Senegal.
Additionally, they recently completed a 16-day Europe training camp, playing tuneup matches against Estonia, Finland, Ukraine’s under-20 team, and two Lithuanian squads, ending with a 3-3 record in those matches.
Reyes also confirmed that Gilas will have a friendly match against Mexico, just one week before their FIBA World Cup debut against the Dominican Republic on August 25th at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The stage is set for an intense battle as Gilas Pilipinas aims to seize the lone Olympic slot and potentially collide with powerhouse China in the process.
(ai/mnm)
In an uplifting development, Dwight Ramos, known for his exceptional shooting skills, has been given the green light to join Gilas Pilipinas after recovering from his leg injury.
The 24-year-old Filipino-American wingman made his presence felt during Friday’s practice session at the Meralco gym, bringing positive news to the Gilas Pilipinas team.
According to Dexter Aseron, the team therapist for Gilas, Ramos is in good shape and has been actively participating in practice since Thursday. “All good with Dwight, he’s been practicing already since yesterday (Thursday),” Aseron shared with the Manila Times.
Ramos was unable to take part in the team’s sixth and final tune-up game during their recent training camp in Europe due to his injury. (AI/MNM)