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  • Japan B.League Manila Games: Okamoto highlights PBA respect, Filipino basketball culture

    Japan B.League Manila Games: Okamoto highlights PBA respect, Filipino basketball culture

    The Japan B.League is set to make history with the B.League Manila Games 2026, a two-game preseason exhibition that will mark the first time the Japanese professional basketball league stages official games outside Japan. Scheduled for September 9 and 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the landmark event is expected to further strengthen the growing basketball ties between Japan and the Philippines.


    Headlining the showcase are Levanga Hokkaido and the Gunma Crane Thunders, with Filipino standouts Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu set to represent their respective B.League clubs. Ramos, one of the league’s most recognizable international stars, will suit up for Levanga Hokkaido, while Edu will take the floor for Gunma, giving Filipino fans a rare opportunity to watch two members of the Gilas Pilipinas pool compete on home soil in Japanese club colors.


    More than just an exhibition series, the B.League Manila Games symbolize the league’s continued international expansion and its commitment to engaging one of the world’s most passionate basketball fanbases. Since its establishment in 2016, the B.League has experienced rapid growth, attracting top talent from across Asia and beyond while steadily increasing its global footprint.

     

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    Speaking during a media interaction, B.League Executive Officer Nao Okamoto emphasized the importance of the support extended by both the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in making the historic event possible.

     

    “We have full respect towards the PBA as the longest-standing basketball league in Asia,” Okamoto said. “We really respect the PBA—its history, its mindset, and the country’s love for basketball. We are still a young league, only 10 years old, and we have so many things to learn from them.”


    Okamoto noted that the Philippines’ deeply rooted basketball culture made collaboration with the country’s basketball stakeholders essential.

    “They have built this huge basketball culture here in the Philippines. We really needed the support of the PBA and the SBP. We have always been talking to both organizations because this is the biggest event we have ever organized in Manila,” he explained.

     

    Beyond the games themselves, the B.League has been laying the groundwork for a stronger presence in the country through various community and cultural initiatives, including fan engagement activities, pop-up events, and Japanese food festivals.


    “Even before these games, we held different events like pop-up activities and food festivals because we believe it’s important not only to bring basketball but also to contribute to the local community,” Okamoto added. “Since we are still a foreign league, building relationships with fans and giving back are very important to us.”


    The Manila Games will also serve as a showcase of what has become one of the B.League’s defining characteristics—its game-day entertainment experience. While the quality of basketball remains the centerpiece, the league has earned a reputation for blending professional sports with high-energy production, interactive fan experiences, and nonstop entertainment throughout each game.


    “Our uniqueness is the entertainment during the games,” Okamoto said. “During halftime, quarter breaks, and throughout the event, we try to provide nonstop entertainment. We want to bring that same atmosphere from Japan to Manila.”


    “We want people to experience what the B.League truly is—not only the quality of the players and the basketball, but also the quality of the entertainment. That is another aspect of our league that we are excited to introduce to Filipino fans.”


    The event also carries broader cultural significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. Organizers see the Manila Games as more than a basketball spectacle, viewing it as a celebration of the enduring friendship between the two nations through their shared passion for the sport.


    With two of Japan’s premier clubs, two Filipino stars returning home, and a full B.League game-day experience on display, the B.League Manila Games 2026 promise to deliver a unique basketball event for local fans. As the league takes its first official games beyond Japanese borders, Manila becomes the starting point of what could be a new chapter in the B.League’s international growth and its deepening connection with Philippine basketball.

     

     

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  • Japan beckons again as Dwight Ramos stays with Levanga, Thirdy Ravena returns to B.League 

    Japan beckons again as Dwight Ramos stays with Levanga, Thirdy Ravena returns to B.League 

    The Philippines’ growing footprint in Japan’s B.League will become even stronger next season, with Dwight Ramos choosing continuity in Hokkaido while Thirdy Ravena secures a return to familiar territory.


    Levanga Hokkaido announced that Ramos has signed a new contract, ensuring the Gilas Pilipinas guard will remain with the club for another campaign after becoming one of its cornerstone players since joining in 2022.

     

    “I want to thank Levanga for bringing me back for another season. I’m very excited to be coming back and continue to grow with the team,” Ramos said in a statement.

     

    “We had a lot of success in our last season and because of that I want to experience more with the team and get a step farther this season in the playoffs and shoot for a championship. Thank you everyone for your support always.”

     

    Ramos first entered the B.League with the Toyama Grouses before moving to Levanga, where he has steadily developed into one of the team’s most reliable contributors.

     

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    His return comes after Hokkaido posted a 37-23 record last season, narrowly falling short of a playoff berth. Levanga finished four games behind Alvark Tokyo, which claimed the final quarterfinal spot with a 41-19 record.

     

    The organization believes Ramos still has another level to reach.

     

    “Last season, he was one of the key players supporting the team’s success and contributing to our victories, but his potential is far greater than what we’ve seen so far,” said Levanga general manager Ryota Sakurai.

     

    Ramos’ extension also sets the stage for his return to Manila in September, when Levanga Hokkaido takes part in the B.League Manila Games. He is expected to face fellow Gilas standout AJ Edu and the Gunma Crane Thunders in a preseason matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    While Ramos opted to continue his journey with the same club, Thirdy Ravena will be writing a new chapter after the Toyama Grouses officially welcomed him back to Japan.

     

    The former Ateneo standout returns to the B.League after spending the 2024-2025 season in the ABA League with Dubai, where he appeared in 18 games and saw limited playing time.

     

    “I’m excited to come back to Japan and play my best for the Grouses this season,” Ravena said in the team’s announcement, while also posting on Instagram. “Back in the Land.”

     

    The move fulfills the goal Ravena openly shared during the recent B.League Final Week in Manila, where he spoke about wanting another opportunity to compete in Japan.

     

    “Japan B.League has been my first professional league and they’ve always welcomed me with open arms, they’ve treated me like family since the first day I got there so I’d love to play in the B.League once again,” he said then.

     

    His signing with Toyama officially makes that return a reality.

     

    The Ravena brothers will also have another representative in the B.League next season, with older brother Kiefer Ravena beginning his stint with the Ryukyu Golden Kings after an impressive campaign with the Yokohama B-Corsairs.

     

    With Ramos remaining in Hokkaido, Thirdy making his comeback, and Kiefer starting fresh in Ryukyu, Filipino talent will once again have a prominent presence across Japan’s top professional basketball league.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos admits Australia’s defense wore down Gilas Pilipinas in heavy qualifiers defeat 

    Dwight Ramos admits Australia’s defense wore down Gilas Pilipinas in heavy qualifiers defeat 

    Australia’s defense didn’t just stop Gilas Pilipinas from scoring—it dictated everything the Philippines tried to do on the floor, and Dwight Ramos believes that was the deciding factor in the Boomers’ commanding 92-49 victory in Perth.


    The Filipino swingman said Australia’s relentless full-court pressure prevented Gilas from ever settling into its offense, leaving the team scrambling to beat the defense before it could even think about creating quality scoring opportunities.

     

    “Australia had amazing pressure up the court, giving us trouble. It was very difficult. We had a lot of turnovers in the backcourt and then when we were able to get across halfcourt, shot clock was low, forced us to bad shots, and then obviously throughout the game it wears us down,” Ramos said.

     

    The constant pressure took its toll on the Philippines, which committed 19 turnovers that Australia converted into 30 points, allowing the hosts to seize complete control of the contest.

     

    Even amid Gilas’ offensive struggles, Ramos finished as the team’s top scorer with nine points. However, the 26-year-old endured a difficult shooting night, connecting on only four of his 16 attempts as Australia’s defense made every possession a challenge.

     

    The Philippines showed resilience early and stayed within striking distance, entering halftime trailing by just 14 points.

     

    Veteran center June Mar Fajardo responded after being held scoreless against New Zealand, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks to anchor the Philippines inside.

     

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    Mike Philipps also delivered one of his best outings in the qualifying window, finishing with six points and 12 rebounds while battling Australia’s frontcourt.

     

    Australia received a major offensive spark from six-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton, who erupted for a game-high 21 points off the bench. 

     

    Rising guard Tyrese Proctor added 16 points as the Boomers completed an unbeaten 6-0 campaign in the opening round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The defeat dropped Gilas to a 2-4 record and marked the team’s fourth consecutive loss to close the first phase of qualifying. 

     

    Despite the setback, the Philippines secured its place in the second round, where it will face Syria, Iran, and Jordan in another home-and-away group.

     

    With the next qualifying window scheduled for August 27 to 31, Gilas now shifts its focus to regrouping and addressing the issues exposed by Australia’s relentless defense as it continues its bid for a place in the FIBA World Cup.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos expects another sea of Filipino fans as Gilas faces Tall Blacks 

    Dwight Ramos expects another sea of Filipino fans as Gilas faces Tall Blacks 

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the trip to Auckland may technically count as a road game—but Dwight Ramos knows it rarely feels that way.

     

    As the Philippines prepares to renew its rivalry with New Zealand in the third window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Ramos believes one familiar advantage will once again travel with the national team: thousands of passionate Filipino supporters expected to fill the stands.

     

    The Tall Blacks host Gilas on July 3 in a matchup that carries more than just redemption. Both teams enter the contest tied at 2-2 in Group A, with valuable positioning on the line before the second round of qualifying begins.

     

    Ramos still vividly remembers the overwhelming Filipino presence during Gilas’ previous visit to Auckland in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Although the Nationals absorbed an 87-70 defeat, the atmosphere inside the arena felt anything but hostile.

     

    “It’s really big. It’s a nice opportunity to play New Zealand,” said Ramos, as Gilas carries momentum from its tuneup wins over the Manawatu Jets and the Franklin Bulls.

     

    “The last time that we were there, almost the whole crowd was Filipinos. Even though it’s away, it was still like a home game for us.”

     

    That crowd support has become one of Gilas Pilipinas’ biggest strengths whenever the team plays abroad, particularly in countries with large Filipino communities.

     

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    The Nationals will be hoping that familiar energy translates into a different result this time around.

     

    New Zealand edged the Philippines, 69-66, during the previous qualifying window in February in Manila, handing Gilas one of its two losses in the group.

     

    After splitting its two exhibition games in New Zealand with convincing victories over the Manawatu Jets and Franklin Bulls, Gilas arrives in Auckland looking sharper and more acclimated ahead of the rematch.

     

    For Ramos, however, the motivation extends beyond the standings.

     

    The 26-year-old forward wants to reward the overseas Filipino community that continues to transform away venues into extensions of home.

     

    “It’s another chance to try and go again,” he said.

     

    A victory over the Tall Blacks would strengthen Gilas’ position heading into the next phase of qualification before an even tougher assignment awaits against undefeated Australia on July 6 in Perth.

     

    With familiar faces expected in the crowd once more, Ramos hopes Auckland can again feel like home—this time with a result Gilas can celebrate.

     

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  • B.League brings historic Manila showdown to MOA Arena in 2026 

    B.League brings historic Manila showdown to MOA Arena in 2026 

    The Philippines is set to host a landmark moment in Asian basketball as the B.League stages its first-ever overseas regular season games in Manila this 2026.

     

    Scheduled on September 9 and 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the event marks a major step for the Japanese league as it expands its reach beyond its home country, bringing elite club competition directly to Filipino fans for the very first time.

     

    The showcase, officially branded as the B.LEAGUE MANILA GAMES 2026, will feature a familiar mix of international and Filipino-linked talent. Among those expected to take center stage are Gilas Pilipinas Men standouts Dwight Ramos, suiting up for Levanga Hokkaido, and AJ Edu, who will play for Gunma Crane Thunders—setting up a unique crossover where national team teammates turn opponents on the club stage.

     

    The timing of the event also carries symbolic weight, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Philippines. Organizers say the games are not only about basketball, but also about celebrating a growing sporting and cultural bridge between the two nations.

     

    The B.League emphasized that the Philippines was a natural choice for its first overseas venture due to the deep connection already formed through Filipino players competing in Japan under the Asia Special Quota system.

     

    “We are truly delighted to host B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball. The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for B.LEAGUE than any other country/region, creating a special bond between us,” said B.League chairman Shinji Shimada.

     

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    “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in the Philippine basketball community for their tremendous support in making this project possible, as well as to all the players who have served as bridges between our two nations.”

     

    Shimada also pointed to the significance of holding the games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a venue etched in basketball history after hosting the Final phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

     

    “The games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a very special venue that hosted the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, hosted by Japan and the Philippines. It is a great honor for us to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena,” he added.

     

    “We hope many fans will come to the venue and experience the excitement and appeal of B.LEAGUE firsthand.”

     

    With anticipation already building, the Manila Games are shaping up not just as a basketball event, but as a historic meeting point of two basketball-loving nations sharing one stage.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena headline B.League’s Manila return as Japan league deepens PH connection 

    Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena headline B.League’s Manila return as Japan league deepens PH connection 

    The Japan B.League is no longer just exporting basketball games to the Philippines — it is steadily building a basketball culture around its growing Filipino fanbase.

     

    For the second straight year, the league is bringing its Finals Week to Manila, turning the country into an extension of its postseason stage while showcasing the Filipino players who have helped strengthen the B.League’s presence locally.

     

    Set from May 21 to 24 at SM Megamall, the event goes beyond simply airing the B.League Finals on a giant screen. It serves as a celebration of the league’s expanding relationship with Philippine basketball, fueled heavily by the success and popularity of its Filipino imports.

     

    Leading the expected guest lineup are some of the most recognizable overseas Filipino players today — Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido, Ray Parks Jr. of Osaka Evessa, Francis Lopez of Fighting Eagles Nagoya, and Kiefer Ravena of the Yokohama B-Corsairs.

     

    Their attendance highlights how deeply intertwined Filipino talent has become with the Japanese league in recent years.

     

    What started with a few pioneering imports has now evolved into a steady pipeline of Filipino players making meaningful impacts overseas, while simultaneously helping the B.League gain traction among basketball fans back home.

     

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    This year’s Finals Week also expands beyond fan interaction.

     

    Alongside the Finals watch party, the league will once again stage the B.Hope Asia Jr. Clinic as part of its grassroots efforts in the region. Young players will also get the chance to compete in the B.Hope Asia 1-on-1 Challenge featuring under-14 standouts from northern and southern Manila.

     

    The timing of the Manila festivities also comes with added intrigue as the B.League championship picture nears its conclusion.

     

    As of writing, Quentin Millora-Brown remains the lone Filipino import still alive in the title race with the Chiba Jets, keeping local representation active deep into the playoffs.

     

    Still in contention as well are the Nagasaki Velca, Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, and Ryukyu Golden Kings.

     

    Meanwhile, AJ Edu and the Gunma Crane Thunders saw their campaign end in the quarterfinals after a tough three-game series loss to Chiba.

     

    Even with some Filipino stars already eliminated, the Manila event reinforces one thing clearly: the connection between Philippine basketball and the B.League continues to grow stronger with every season.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos drills career‑high eight triples, lifts Hokkaido in tight B.LEAGUE win

    Dwight Ramos drills career‑high eight triples, lifts Hokkaido in tight B.LEAGUE win

    Dwight Ramos delivered a standout performance on Wednesday, erupting from deep to help Levanga Hokkaido hold off the Ibaraki Robots, 88‑85, in Japan’s B.LEAGUE.

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas guard set a new personal mark for triples in a game with eight made 3‑pointers, finishing with 29 points on 10‑of‑14 shooting as Hokkaido maintained its spot in the playoff race. Ramos’ hot shooting from beyond the arc was the highlight of a performance that kept his team competitive in a close matchup.

     

    Ramos’ eight triples surpassed his previous career best of seven, and while he fell just one point shy of tying his B.LEAGUE career high for points in a game, the long‑range explosion underscored his offensive value.

     

    His contributions this season go beyond Wednesday’s outing. Ramos has been a consistent offensive presence for Hokkaido, averaging around 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in the 2025‑26 B.LEAGUE campaign, combining scoring with playmaking and defensive activity.

     

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    Before his eight‑three night, Ramos had several notable outings where he showed his scoring versatility. He has regularly scored in double figures, using a mix of perimeter shooting and off‑ball movement to create offense for Hokkaido. His ability to space the floor and knock down open looks has become a key part of the team’s strategy.

     

    With the win, Hokkaido improved to 31‑16 and remained in the thick of the playoff picture, while the Robots dropped to 14‑33. Hokkaido needed every bit of Ramos’ production as it weathered a late surge from Ibaraki to secure the narrow victory.

     

    Ramos’ importance to the team is reflected in his overall season numbers, where his shooting has provided consistent scoring punch and floor spacing, and he has developed into one of the more reliable Filipino imports in the league.

     

    Hokkaido’s next game will be against the Ryukyu Golden Kings (31‑15), while Ibaraki looks to rebound against the San‑En NeoPhoenix (27‑19).

     

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  • Dwight Ramos leads Levanga Hokkaido sweep of Kiefer Ravena’s Yokohama as B.League playoff race heats up

    Dwight Ramos leads Levanga Hokkaido sweep of Kiefer Ravena’s Yokohama as B.League playoff race heats up

    Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido strengthened their postseason push after completing a weekend sweep of Kiefer Ravena and the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the B.League.

     

    Ramos delivered a steady all-around effort on Sunday, finishing with 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 24 minutes as Levanga cruised to a 92-72 victory at Yokohama Arena.

     

    The win completed a two-game set dominated by Hokkaido, which also escaped with a narrow 100-98 victory the night before.

     

    Ramos was particularly instrumental in the opener, scoring 16 points while adding three assists, a steal and a block in a matchup that featured a head-to-head duel with Ravena, who poured in 19 markers despite the loss.

     

    The pair are key figures for Philippines men’s national basketball team, and their clash added extra intrigue to the weekend series.

     

    The back-to-back victories were crucial for Levanga, which had struggled in recent weeks before regaining momentum.

     

    With the sweep, Hokkaido improved to 29-12 and moved into a three-way tie for second place in the Eastern Conference alongside the Alvark Tokyo and the Chiba Jets.

     

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    Other Gilas-linked players also made contributions in Sunday’s slate.

     

    AJ Edu helped the Gunma Crane Thunders secure a convincing 92-68 victory over the Kyoto Hannaryz at Openhouse Arena Ota.

     

    Edu finished with six points, five rebounds, four assists and a block as Gunma improved to 25-16.

     

    Meanwhile, Quentin Millora-Brown chipped in five points and three rebounds to help the Chiba Jets roll past Ray Parks Jr. and the Osaka Evessa, 94-78, at Ookini Arena Maishima.

     

    Parks paced Osaka with 20 points, but the defeat dropped the club to 15-26.

     

    Kai Sotto also found himself on the losing end as the Koshigaya Alphas absorbed a heavy 99-65 loss to the Hiroshima Dragonflies.

     

    Recently back from an ACL injury and fresh off joining the league’s 1,000-point club, Sotto logged eight points and four rebounds in 25 minutes.

     

    Another Filipino prospect, Francis Lopez, also endured a tough outing after the Nagoya Fighting Eagles fell 91-69 to the San-En NeoPhoenix.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout tallied five points, five rebounds, four steals and two blocks, though Nagoya slipped to 15-26.

     

    With the B.League regular season entering its crucial stretch, Filipino players continue to play key roles across several teams — none more impactful over the weekend than Ramos, whose performance helped Levanga keep its playoff hopes firmly on track.

     

     

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  • Dwight Ramos vows bounce-back game as Gilas falls short vs New Zealand

    Dwight Ramos vows bounce-back game as Gilas falls short vs New Zealand

    A late surge sparked by Dwight Ramos nearly rescued Gilas Pilipinas from the brink, but the comeback ran out of time as the Nationals absorbed a heartbreaking 69-66 loss to the New Zealand Tall Blacks in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Thursday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    In a game defined by defensive grit and missed opportunities, Ramos emerged as the focal point of Gilas’ late push—but also its most honest critic afterward.

     

    Trailing by nine with just over three minutes left, the Philippines looked headed for a decisive defeat. Instead, Ramos ignited a final rally, scoring five straight points in the closing minute to cut the deficit to two. His deep triple brought the crowd back to life, and his second-chance layup kept Gilas within striking distance after a defensive stop.

     

    When New Zealand missed a crucial free throw in the final seconds, the door briefly opened. Ramos pushed the ball upcourt and launched a long attempt from near the logo, hoping to force overtime—but the shot bounced off the backboard and rim as the buzzer sounded.

    Despite leading Gilas with 16 points, Ramos struggled with efficiency, finishing 6-of-21 from the field—a stat line that weighed heavily on him after the game.

     

    “It’s kind of tough because I missed a lot of shots. Obviously, I missed the last shot. I feel bad. I wish I was better today,” said Ramos, who led the team with 16 points, although he shot on a 6-of-21 clip.

     

    The loss wasn’t defined by the final possession alone. Ramos acknowledged that the outcome was shaped by missed chances throughout the contest.

     

    “Hopefully, we all learn. It’s a close game. Every possession counts. I’m just trying to be better,” he said.

     

    Currently playing for Levanga Hokkaido, Ramos emphasized that stepping up offensively was part of sharing the load with naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who drew heavy defensive attention all night. 

     

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    “I mean, I just try to stay aggressive because obviously, a lot of the focus was on JB [Justin Brownlee]. If you just watch him and expect him to do everything, it’s a lot of load on him. Everyone has to be aggressive and play their part. I just try to do mine. I was not the best today, and I’ll just try to be better moving forward.”

     

    “I was trying to bank it in, and it just didn’t fall. But it’s not just about that shot, you know? I missed a lot of other shots, and I just have to be better in the future,” Ramos told reporters after finishing with 16 points on 6-of-21 shooting, along with eight rebounds, two steals, and one assist.

     

    For Ramos, the narrow defeat quickly shifts from frustration to urgency. Gilas faces another major test against the Australia men’s national basketball team, a matchup that leaves little time for the team to dwell on mistakes.

     

    “Right now, all I can think about is my mistakes. I feel bad, but I gotta move on to the next game,” the Levanga Hokkado baller added.

     

    The upcoming clash also marks a renewed chapter in the Philippines-Australia rivalry, with veteran guard Mitch Creek returning to the Boomers’ lineup. Ramos believes the lessons from the New Zealand game—and a productive training camp—can help Gilas respond.

     

    “I think so. The coaches had a great game plan today, and the training camp was great. I think the game was this close because of the players’ effort and also the coaches’ game plan. We did a great job, and we’re all learning at the same time to try to be better,” Ramos shared.

     

    “We’re gonna try and learn from this game. It was a close game; obviously, there’s a lot to learn because every possession counts. We’re gonna check over the mistakes and learn from this.”

    While the loss stung, Ramos’ late-game charge highlighted a growing leadership role—one that Gilas will need as it attempts to regroup quickly and defend home floor in its next outing. 

     

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  • Dwight Ramos sees size boost, scouting edge for Gilas in tough qualifier window

    Dwight Ramos sees size boost, scouting edge for Gilas in tough qualifier window

    Facing two of the most physically imposing teams in the region, Gilas Pilipinas is approaching the next stretch of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with renewed optimism—not just because of roster updates, but because of growing familiarity with their opponents.

    For guard Dwight Ramos, preparation isn’t only about game plans. It’s about matchups, experience, and finally having enough size to compete inside.

     

    The looming clashes against New Zealand Tall Blacks and Australia Boomers had raised concerns for the Philippines, especially amid uncertainty surrounding the availability of towering big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown.

     

    With Millora-Brown confirming his participation, the outlook inside the Gilas camp shifted—particularly for Ramos, who understands how crucial interior presence will be against bigger frontlines.

     

    “I think it’s very helpful because the two teams we’re playing against are big teams and obviously a big dude like QMB can help,” Ramos said. 

     

    Instead of feeling burdened by expectations, Ramos views the situation differently. Against higher-ranked and more physical opponents, the pressure—at least competitively—leans the other way.

     

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    “I’m pretty sure most people expect us to lose so we don’t have much pressure on us,” Ramos said. “The only pressure is we’re playing at home in front of everybody but in terms of the game, we’re gonna come out there and play our best and then see what happens.”

     

    What strengthens Ramos’ confidence even more is his overseas experience in the B.League, where he regularly competes against players who also suit up for both New Zealand and Australia. That exposure gives him a clearer read on tendencies and playing styles heading into the qualifiers.

     

    “I’ve played against a bunch of the New Zealand guys in Japan. The Australian team has some Japan-based players there so I know a couple of the guys already. I’ve played against them, so that’s what helped me out a little bit,” he shared.

     

    Beyond scouting and roster adjustments, Ramos emphasized one factor that cannot be simulated in training—the energy of the home crowd.

     

    “It’s very helpful. Every shot we go in, it feels like we’ve made like 10 shots already. It just takes one so that’s what the home crowd does for us.”

     

    With size concerns easing and familiarity working in their favor, Gilas enters the crucial window leaning on preparation, perspective, and the advantage of playing on home soil.

     

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