Ramos raves about Millora-Brown’s inclusion

Top guard Dwight Ramos is elated to have his fellow Gilas Pilipinas youngblood Quentin Millora-Brown back in the fold for the second window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

News of Millora-Brown getting into terms with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for the green light to suit up has given Gilas a huge shot in the arm, adding size and muscle underneath to match powerhouse New Zealand and Australia.

Ramos was one of the many who eagerly awaited the positive development after a controversial initial decline released by Millora-Brown’s agency.

“I’m glad he’s able to come. I just saw it on Twitter,” Ramos said Thursday after SBP announced that it directly talked to the 6-foot-10 center and his family to seal his participation in Gilas’ homestand next week.

The Tim Cone-mentored national squad absorbed a huge blow in its campaign due to player availability issues especially in the center position.

Seven-foot-3 Kai Sotto is still unavailable after recently recovering from a knee injury, while forward Jamie Malonzo opted to skip the window.

Millora-Brown was also initially ruled out in the matches against the Tall Blacks and Boomers on 26 February and 1 March, respectively.

However, efforts made by the federation, led by University Athletic Association of the Philippines representative Bo Perasol, convinced the versatile big man to serve another tour of duty.

Millora-Brown was instrumental in Gilas’ back-to-back wins against Guam in his debut for the tricolor.

“Obviously, we needed some size because New Zealand and Australia are two big teams. It’s good that he’s [back],” Ramos said of his fellow Japan B.League import.

The Chiba Jets reinforcement’s decision to play boosted Gilas’ frontline composed of veteran June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu and newcomer Justine Baltazar.

Gilas has just finished its training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna and is on the final stretch of its preparation for the games to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We just finished the Inspire training camp and then we’re gonna be practicing everyday leading up to the games. We’re still missing a few guys but so far so good and everyone’s playing well,” said Ramos, who plays for Levanga Hokkaido.

With Millora-Brown back together with the core of Gilas, Ramos is upbeat about their chances on home soil.