LEVANGA Hokkaido guard Dwight Ramos called on Filipino fans to continue supporting Gilas Pilipinas as it prepares for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Ramos, who was not part of Gilas’ Asian Games roster due to his Japan B.League commitment, acknowledged that the Asiad-Gilas had a nice tune up when they played the World Cup qualifier-Gilas recently.
“Yeah, we had a tune-up. They played really well. Also, they were playing fast. It felt like they were practicing for a long time. I know the Asian Games is coming,” Ramos said.
Asiad-Gilas suffered back-to-back losses to South Korea in its final exhibition games, falling 81-55 and 69-42 in Suwon.
The results raised concerns among some Filipino fans, but Ramos urged them not to lose faith in the players who accepted the responsibility of representing the country.
“A lot of people are worried about the recent performance. They’re all there for a reason. They’re representing the country when they don’t have to. They’re stepping up,” he said.
Ramos emphasized the importance of giving the team encouragement, particularly as the players continue to adjust to each other and prepare for the competition.
“I would just support them as much as you can. When we’re lost, they’re trying their best,” Ramos added.
Gilas will begin its Asian Games campaign against Bahrain on Sept. 11 before facing Kazakhstan and China in the Group C preliminary round. (By the Staff)
