SIZE has been a lingering concern for Gilas Pilipinas heading to the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, especially with two of the biggest teams in the competition, Australia and New Zealand, looming on the schedule.
The uncertainty surrounding the availability 7-foot-7 Kai Sotto and 6-10 Quentin Millora-Brown had raised serious concerns, threatening to leave Gilas undersized in crunch qualifiers against two of the region’s most physical squads.
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But when QMB confirmed he would suit up for the Philippines in this qualifier window, no one was more relieved than Gilas guard Dwight Ramos.
“I think it’s very helpful because the two teams we’re playing against are big teams and obviously a big dude like QMB can help,” Ramos told SPIN.ph.
Despite the challenges ahead, Ramos showed quiet confidence as he embraced the role of underdogs.
“I’m pretty sure most people expect us to lose so we don’t have much pressure on us,” Ramos said. “The only pressure is we’re playing at home in front of everybody but in terms of the game, we’re gonna come out there and play our best and then see what happens."
The Levanga Hokkaido guard believes his familiarity will come in handy, having beeb already played players from both the Tall Blacks and Boomers in the B.League, giving him valuable insight into their tendencies and style of play.
“I’ve played against a bunch of the New Zealand guys in Japan. The Australian team has some Japan-based players there so I know a couple of the guys already. I’ve played against them, so that’s what helped me out a little bit,” he shared.
“I think we just need to play well and then, you know, if we’re playing well then the game’s gonna be close," he said. “And then at the end if the game’s close then anything’s possible. So I’m pretty confident as long as we play well.”
That belief will only grow stronger with the backing of the home crowd.
“It’s very helpful. Every shot we go in, it feels like we’ve made like 10 shots already. It just takes one so that’s what the home crowd does for us.”
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