THEY'VE seen with their very eyes what this Gilas Pilipinas can do.
Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu got a firsthand glimpse of what the Philippines’ Asian Games-bound national team can do when that Robert Bolick-led side went toe-to-toe with the Gilas lineup for the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers.
READ: Gilas team to FIBA qualifiers gets back at Asiad squad in tune-up
Even more, that Asiad squad actually got one over 'main' Gilas for FIBA competitions, which Ramos and Edu have long been part of.
That's while both won't be wearing the flag in Nagoya, Japan, they remain upbeat about the Filipinos' title defense.
“They played really well. They were playing fast. It felt like they were practicing for a long time,” Ramos told media during the Japan B.League Manila Games post-game press conference.
Concerns surrounding Gilas’ losses to Korea in tuneup games may be understandable, but the do-it-all guard believes players stepping up for the country deserve nothing but support.
“I know the Asian Games is coming, and a lot of people are worried about the recent performance, but they’re all there for a reason,” he said.
“They’re representing the country when they don’t have to because our team is not there. They’re stepping up, so I would just support them as much as you can.”
Because at the end of the day, Ramos believes the effort matters just as much as the result.
“Win or lose, they’re trying their best.”
Edu feels 'PUSO'
Edu shared the same sentiment after getting his own look at the Asian Games team.
“Definitely wishing them all the best. We had a tune-up game against them and they’re definitely very competitive,” he said.
More than anything, though, Edu believes Gilas' biggest weapon remains unchanged.
“Filipinos always show puso, they always show heart,” the rim protector added. “I’m sure they will show heart and represent well for us in the Asian Games.”
Ramos and Edu may not be the ones carrying the flag in this particular campaign, but having shared the floor with the Asiad-bound squad, they know exactly what kind of fight the Philippines will still bring.
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