Dwight Ramos optimistic of Tim Cone’s long-term vision with Gilas

MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas will finally test their retooled roster and revitalized system in the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers later this week.

The Nationals will be facing Hong Kong on Thursday and Chinese Taipei on Sunday. Even before they actually step foot on the court, mainstay Dwight Ramos is already loving what he has experienced so far with the team.

“It’s just different, but I like it. I like how the team is,” the 6-foot-4 fan-favorite guard said on Monday during a press conference by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. 

“I'm just trying to enjoy and learn as much as I could, and it was easy because they all helped me right there,” he added.

Ramos shared that one of the things that has him excited is the squad’s length, especially since aside from the resident big men of the team, they now have taller forwards in Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and Calvin Oftana.

“I would say the strength is just that we're definitely a bigger team, and there’s a lot of ball movement now,” said the Hokkaido Levanga standout. 

“I think there’s just different ways to play. There’s nothing against other coaches and their styles, but we’re just gonna play this way, and it’s what we’re gonna go with. We’re gonna make it work.”

Aside from this, Ramos also offered nothing but praise for the long-term vision of head coach Tim Cone for the Filipino cagers.

“It feels good. I think it’s a good idea to keep everybody,” said Dwight. “Of course, there are things that could come, especially if someone gets hurt, but keeping most players every time helps from window to window.”

“The chemistry is always gonna be there. It’s not new people coming in and then figuring out how to play with them, so I think it’s a good idea. We’re gonna make it work for the next four years,” he ended.

Game time of Gilas vs Hong Kong on Thursday will be at 8 PM, local time, while their bout against Taiwan on Sunday is at 7:30 PM.