CHICAGO - When Dwight Ramos sustained an eye injury last week during his team's game against the Utsunomiya Brex in Japan B.League play, Gilas Pilipinas officials and fans held their collective breath.
"We're not sure yet on how long it will keep him out," Gilas coach Tim Cone, concerned of the Fil-Am's availability for the Olympic Tournament this July in Latvia, told reporters four days ago.
READ Cone keeps fingers crossed on Dwight Ramos' eye damage
Cone and the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) can now heave a collective sigh of relief.
"Going to get surgery on Thursday and then it shouldn't be a long recovery time. Should be all good," Ramos said in a text message on Tuesday.
The Asian import for Levanga Hokkaido clarified that he had suffered an orbital floor fracture in his right eye but that he is in good spirits as he prepares to go under the knife.
With regards how long the recuperation and rehabilitation process might take, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound all-purpose guard said he's out for the B.League season but assured he'll be back to full fitness for Gilas' Olympic mission.
'Nothing crazy'
"I just gotta wait till the swelling is gone and then I'll be good after maybe 2-3 weeks. Nothing crazy."
While the SBP might have some nervous moments between now and the next couple of weeks, Ramos' agent, PJ Pilares, is beaming with confidence about a positive outcome.
"He (Dwight) should be okay for FIBA," Pilares assured.
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