Ramos, Edu rally behind Phl cagers

Gilas Pilipinas stars Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu are confident that Gilas Pilipinas can make another strong run when it competes in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya starting Friday.

Ramos, who is representing Levanga Hokkaido in the Japan B.League Manila Games, said the absence of naturalized player Justin Brownlee should not dampen expectations for the squad seeking back-to-back Asian Games titles.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas unveiled its final 12-man roster on Wednesday, led by Robert Bolick, RJ Abarrientos, Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Sedrick Barefield, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Zav Lucero, Adrian Nocum, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Brandon Bates, Calvin Oftana and Don Trollano.

They will kick off its title defense against Bahrain on Friday at the Aichi International Arena.

Ramos said the players deserve the support of Filipino fans despite recent results and the fact that the regular Gilas core is not seeing action in Nagoya.

“I know the Asian Games is coming and, you know, a lot of people are worried about the recent performance. But they’re all there for a reason and, you know, they’re representing the country when they don’t have to because our team is not there. So, they’re stepping up,” Ramos said.

“So, I mean, you know, just support them as much as you can. Whether they win or lose, they’re just trying their best.”

Edu, who plays for the Gunma Crane Thunders, also backed the squad after getting a firsthand look at its competitiveness during tune-up games.

“I definitely wish them all the best. We had a tune-up game against them, and they’re definitely very competitive,” Edu said.

“Filipinos always show puso, they always show heart. So definitely, I’m sure they will show heart and represent well for us in the Asian Games.”

Questions were raised about the team’s readiness after Gilas Pilipinas suffered back-to-back heavy losses to South Korea in tune-up games last week, falling by an average of 26.5 points.

But head coach Tim Cone remains confident the team will be sharper once the real competition begins.

“It’ll be more fluid when we get to the Asian Games,” Cone said.