Gilas star Dwight Ramos embraces point guard role in Scottie Thompson's absence for FIBA OQT

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone will turn to Dwight Ramos in running their offense when the nationals plunge into the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament next week, where the young star will fortify the backcourt led by his veterans Chris Newsome and CJ Perez. 

The 25-year-old Ramos willingly accepts this challenge from the coaching staff, saying every one is ready to step up as they continue to miss the services of point guard Scottie Thompson, who remains in sickbay due to a back injury. 

"He’s a big loss. We’re trying to pick up his plays but it’s a big shoes to fill," Ramos said on the heels of their 74-64 win against the Taiwan Mustangs on Monday in a friendly match. 

"I wish he was here, but as long as he gets out of here and comes back, that's all that matters."

Ramos is no stranger to the point guard role, having been prepared by Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin before his supposed collegiate stint with the Blue Eagles in the UAAP. 

But since then, the 6-foot-4 ace has been playing as a shooting guard in his professional career in Japan B. League and in his previous assignments with the national team. 

Ramos is glad that he could revisit this role now with Gilas, which will take on some tough opponents in the OQT starting July 4.

"Couple of years ago with Coach Tab, he was preparing me for this role," Ramos shared.

"So I just kept on working on it and I got a chance now to do that so I just got to do my best."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News