Dwight Ramos getting used to juggling Gilas, Ateneo duties

Since he played for Ateneo in the PCCL on Saturday afternoon, Dwight Ramos could head home and rest.

The 6-foot-5 forward deserves it, since he provided significant contributions for the Blue Eagles. Ramos finished with 16 points and six boards to help his side to a 79-61 win over Letran.

But he didn’t wrap up his day yet. From the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan, he headed to the Meralco Gym in Pasig and joined Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

The 21-year-old said that it isn’t the first time he has pulled double-duty, though. He has done this since the PCCL started last week.

And he’s doing it simply because he doesn’t want to miss any of the Nationals’ practices.

“Today’s not the first.

“Last week when we had games too. I played the games with Ateneo in the PCCL, and then I come here after to practice, trying to get ready for the Asia Cup,” he said.

“I don’t wanna miss any of the practices so I just show up,” admitted Ramos, who is among the young talents that highlight Gilas’ “hybrid” talent pool for the Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Ramos admitted it’s tiring work, but he was quick to add that he’s getting used to it.

“I’m kinda tired right now. But it’s something that I’m starting getting used to already, going twice-a-day,” he said. “Going twice hard like that is kinda tiring but it’s alright.

“It’s worth it.”

It definitely is worth it for Ramos, since it is helping him get more and more accustomed to the style of play here, which will come in handy not just with Gilas but in the UAAP Season 83.

“It’s fun. It’s something that I’m getting used to. … It’s fun playing with my schoolmates, my teammates.”