Dwight Ramos was supposed to be Thirdy Ravena’s heir apparent in Ateneo.
But due to the ongoing pandemic, the plans of the 23-year-old Ramos changed, joining Ravena in the B.League and signing with Toyama.
This weekend, they will get to share the court once again but this time as opponents as the Grouses host the San-En NeoPhoenix.
And he can’t wait to finally get a chance to meet the three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player on the court.
“It’s always fun playing against our fellow Filipinos, especially Thirdy,” Ramos told Lionel Piguet of Kansai Sport.
“Thirdy’s really my boy.”
Momentum will definitely be on the side of Ramos and Toyama.
Last Wednesday, the Grouses finally snapped their skid after defeating the Kyoto Hannaryz, 94-80.
(C) B.League
On the other hand, Ravena and the NeoPhoenix suffered their fourth straight loss on the same day against Shinshu, 92-79.
(C) San-En NeoPhoenix
“Finally, got our first road win so we are happy about that,” said Ramos. “But we still have a lot of things to improve on still.
“Still, a win is a win and try to keep it going heading into our weekend game against San-En.”
Ramos himself admitted that he is now at ease in Japan after being overwhelmed by what it’s like to be a professional and an import in an overseas league.
And the numbers have shown it as the 6-foot-4 utility player has been averaging 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in eight games played for the Grouses.
“I think it’s going pretty well. It’s my first time playing professionally. I was a little hard on myself, to begin with, but it’s a process,” he admitted.
“Now, I’m just going with it and trying to improve every day.”
Come Saturday, he and Ravena — who he had just gone out with last Monday — will not hold back when they share the court.
After all, both the Grouses (2-10) and the NeoPhoenix (3-9) are in dire need of wins.
“On the court, we will be battling it out,” he said. “Whoever wins… it will be fun either way. I’m really excited to play against him. Really a great opportunity here for us.
“Hopefully, we can get something to eat after.”
