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    COLUMN: Dwight Ramos the low-key, no-drama guy Gilas can always count on

    No fancy stuff, no unnecessary movement, no drama around St. Dwight. Just plain dependable
    Aug 25, 2023
    dwight ramos gilas pilipinas world cup
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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    CHICAGO - In the deluge of ads to promote the 2023 FIBA World Cup on various social media platforms, one features a battle-ready Dwight Ramos pictured with the teasing caption "Ilang tulog na lang."

    As the countdown dwindles to slightly over 24 hours, the 6-foot-4 combo guard shared to SPIN.ph his eagerness and excitement to play one specific team in the upcoming championship.

    "Of course, the Dominican Republic because it's so important to start the tournament well," he said.

    READ: Team deputy coach Engelland feels 'I'm home again'

    Led by All-Star Karl Anthony-Towns, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, the Domincans will be a tough out.

    But Gilas Pilipinas, with Jordan Clarkson leading the charge before what is expected to be a jampacked and extremely loud Philippine Arena crowd, Gilas Pilipinas will have more than just a puncher's chance.

    "Practice has been solid, just fine-tuning everything and making things smooth at this point trying to minimize errors. I expect JC to be at the point more than I will. I'm just ready to get plugged whenever and whatever coach Chot [Reyes] needs from me," he told me via text message.

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      With the massive importance of size as Gilas faces a forest of trees against the Dominican Republic and beyond, I asked about the readiness of six-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo who is recovering nicely from a fractured right tibia he suffered back in February 2020.

      "JUNE MAR IS IN GREAT SHAPE," RAMOS QUIPPED.

      That's excellent news given that Gilas needs every inch and might of Fajardo's 6-foot-10, 268-pound frame to help contain Town's potential onslaught.

      Beating the Dominicans, reported to be 10.5-point favorites, remains a tall task but I have faith in the team we assembled: size, shooting, and the firepower of Jordan Clarkson.

      Regardless of the outcome, St. Dwight, as his hordes of followers call him, will relish the opportunity of playing in basketball's largest international stage with a potential 2024 Paris Olympics slot at stake.

      dwight ramos gilas practice

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      Mostly based in Japan where he toils for Levanga Hokkaido in the B League, the World Cup provides Ramos an opportunity to mix business with some precious familial bonding.

      "I will always miss Cali," said the 24-year old Fil-Am from California. "But my family should come next week. It's been a long time since my family was together and complete."

      As for the injured hand he sustained during training, he laughed it off as a "paper cut" and assured our basketball republic that "I'll be alright."

      Once a warrior, always a warrior.

      DREAM TEAM. While basketball powerhouses competing in the World Cup are bringing in the best of their crop, we at SPIN.ph will have our own Dream Team of eight credentialed writers, photographers and videographers to cover the proceedings like a blanket.

      So if you want wall-to wall coverage of this prestigious event, you will find it here.

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

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      PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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