'We were looking forward to the combination of Dwight, RayRay, and Thirdy,' says Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes as Dwight Ramos suffers an injury ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup.
MANILA, Philippines – It would have been a sight to see Japan B. League stars Dwight Ramos, Thirdy Ravena, and Ray Parks play together for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup.for the continental showpiece due to shin splints just days before it comes off the wraps in Indonesia on Tuesday, July 12.
“Obviously, it is a big blow because Dwight is a starter. He is really our starter and he is one of our mainstays who does a lot for our team,” said Reyes on Sunday.In four games in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Filipino-American standout averaged 15.5 points, 7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 steals.
His size at the guard spot is also a luxury, especially against bigger teams the Philippines will face in the Asia Cup like Lebanon and New Zealand. “We were looking forward to the combination of Dwight, RayRay, and Thirdy. It would have been great to see how they will play together,” said Reyes.To complete the 12-man lineup, the plan is to replace Ramos with reserve player Rhenz Abando, who flew with the national team to Jakarta on Sunday.“We will not know until the technical meeting tomorrow if he can take the spot,” Reyes said.Delfin Dioquino dreamt of being a PBA player, but he did not have the skills to make it.