Dwight Ramos will be joining Gilas Pilipinas at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
The 6-foot-4 versatile swingman will just complete quarantine protocols in Alabang before heading to the Calambubble.
“I’m just getting this quarantine. Just got back in the States. Just wait for a week, get my swab, and hopefully get to Inspire,” he said during Tuesday’s episode of Hoops Life powered by SMART as he arrived from California last week.
Already in the bubble since April 26 are Dave Ildefonso, Isaac Go, Javi Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Kemark Carino, the Nieto twins, Rey Suerte, William Navarro, and Jaydee Tungcab.
Completing the cast are newcomers Carl Tamayo, Jason Credo, Jordan Heading, Lebron Lopez, RJ Abarrientos, Geo Chiu, SJ Belangel, and Tzaddy Rangel.
The nationals are preparing for two tournaments happening next month — the final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers from June 16-20 in Clark; the 2021 Graz Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the Belgrade Olympic Qualifying Tournament from June 29-July 4.
Ramos averaged 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game during the first two windows of the Qualifiers.
When the 22-year-old Ateneo Blue Eagle arrives in Calamba, he is looking to work on one thing — his leadership. And it’s because, in just one year, Ramos has become one of the leaders of Gilas.
“Coach Tab [Baldwin] has been challenging [me] to become more vocal to be a better leader. That’s something I’m trying to work on. You can tell, I’m not the loudest person but I’m trying,” said Ramos.
“I’m hoping that when I arrive there, I can be more of a vocal guy to the younger player.”
Gilas has a tough schedule next month, though. It faces not just Asian rivals South Korea and Indonesia, but also Serbia and the Dominican Republic.
After a spectacular first four games for Gilas, Ramos hopes that he can perform at a higher level.
“I’m hoping it’s just scratching the surface. I’m hoping to continue playing well and that this is just the beginning.”
