While Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Asian Games campaign takes place in Japan, two of the national team’s FIBA World Cup qualifying mainstays are staying closer to home — with their Japanese clubs in tow.
Dwight Ramos and A.J. Edu are in the Philippines for the B.League Manila Games 2026, representing Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders, respectively, instead of joining the PBA-heavy Gilas Pilipinas squad competing in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
With the Asian Games not part of the FIBA calendar, the Philippines is fielding a separate group for the regional tournament. Meanwhile, Ramos and Edu remain with their B.League teams following their involvement with Gilas in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Ramos and Edu did, however, get a firsthand look at the Asian Games squad during a tune-up game last August.
“We had a tune-up; they played really well. They were playing fast — it felt as though they had been practicing for a long time,” said Ramos, whose “Window Team” scrimmaged with the Asian Games squad.
“Definitely wishing them all the best. We had a tune-up game against them, and they were very competitive,” Edu echoed.
The Manila Games also gave both Ramos and Edu the opportunity to play in front of Filipino fans, with Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma facing off against their respective B.League opponents at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas big man Kai Sotto was also seen in attendance for Thursday’s game.
Although the PBA-heavy national team dropped both of its tune-up games against South Korea, Ramos urged Filipino fans to continue supporting the squad as it heads into its Asian Games campaign.
“I know the Asian Games is coming, and people are worried about their recent performance. But they’re all there for a reason, and they’re representing the country when they don’t have to because our team is not there,” he said.
Several of Ramos and Edu’s fellow FIBA qualifying teammates — RJ Abarrientos, Justin Arana, and Justine Baltazar — were also called up to the Asian Games squad.
Other PBA stars on the lineup include Robert Bolick, Calvin Oftana, and Zavier Lucero.
“They’re stepping up, so just support them as much as you can. Because win or lose, they’re trying their best,” Ramos added.
Edu echoed his teammate’s call for support.
“Filipinos always show heart, so I’m sure they’ll show heart and represent us well in the Asian Games,” he said.
While Ramos and Edu are missing the Asian Games, both are already looking forward to returning to Gilas duty in the next FIBA World Cup qualifying window in November.
The Philippines will begin its Asian Games campaign on Friday against Bahrain at 12:00 PM.
