COLUMN: Dwight Ramos gets bag in second year of Hokkaido contract

CHICAGO -- After a long basketball season that culminated in a starring role with Gilas Pilipinas at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Latvia, Dwight Ramos is presently enjoying a bit of downtime in Manila.

The two-way guard doesn't have to report back to training with the Levanga Hokkaido until August 15. And when he does, he will do so as one of the highest-paid Asian imports in the Japan B. League.

Entering the second year of a contract extension he signed last June 2023, the Fil-Am from Walnut, California, is set to make $50,000 a month in this next calendar year for a whopping total of $600,000, a source told SPIN..ph

In today's currency, that's P2.9 million a month or P34.8 million for the year.

In his rookie season in Japan where he played for the Toyama Grouses, Ramos pulled in a modest $25,000 a month. At age 25, it's safe to say that Ramos won't have to worry about money ever again.

One of the elite basketball leagues around the world, import salaries in Japan have escalated over the years. According to a Japan-based agent, Ramos checked the ABCD of success in the B. League.

Appeal. Basketball skills. Consistency. Durability.

Ramos averaged a solid 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists last season. Over the course of three seasons, he's shown tremendous strides in his game and has scored career highs in points (26), rebounds (10), assists (10) and steals (6) in a game.

Ramos is also raking in a hefty sum off the court in endorsement deals.

Among his endorsed products include Smart and partnerships with electronics, auto and watch brands.

Dwight Ramos is living the dream playing hoops and securing the bag