DO-IT-ALL guard Dwight Ramos is upbeat with Gilas Pilipinas’ fighting chances against basketball powerhouse squads New Zealand and Australia in the upcoming second window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in Manila.
For one, Filipino American big man Quentin Millora-Brown, after a fruitful conversation with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, is back to reinforce Gilas and add size to the national team’s front court.
“I’m glad he’s able to come. I just saw it (news) on Twitter (now X),” Ramos said in an interview with One Sports.
“Obviously we needed some size because New Zealand and Australia are two big teams.”
At 6-10, QMB adds a solid inside scoring, rebounding and defensive presence, a big boost for Gilas, which also has veteran June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu and Carl Tamayo.
Gilas just closed its training camp last Thursday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, and will continue its preparation for Window 2 in Manila.
“We just finished training camp. Then we will be practicing everyday leading to the games,” he said. “We’re still missing a few guys but so far so good. Everyone’s been playing well.”
The 6-foot-4 Fil-American guard is happy to be playing before an expected big home crowd come Feb. 26 against New Zealand at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, followed by Australia on March 1.
“We play at home. We got the home crowd and based on the past few practices. Everyone’s playing well,” said Ramos, who averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in Window 1, where the Philippines scored a two-game sweep of Guam.
The Philippines enter Window 2 tied for a share of top spot at Group A with Australia.
Guam and New Zealand share the bottom of the group at 0-2.