The Gilas Pilipinas’ ace wingman Dwight Ramos status for the upcoming games against powerhouse Serbia and the Dominican Republic in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia this week is questionable as his injured groin has yet to heal completely.
Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin made the announcement during a pre-event press conference as he revealed that the versatile 6-foot-5 wingman is “not likely” to play in either game.
“Dwight is not likely for either game but things can change overnight. But for a groin injury, that’s not common. Usually, these things drag on and that is what we are experiencing,” said Baldwin.
The Gilas is coming off a grueling stint in the final window of the FIBA Asia qualifiers, playing three games in less than a week and then, taking on Asian powerhouse China in a tune-up game.
“We are banged up. There’s no question that we came out of the third window limping,” Baldwin shared.
Ramos’ absence will place a sizable hole in the Gilas roster considering that he averaged an impressive 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.0 steals in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
Ramos, though, is trying to give it a shot but Baldwin appears to be opposed to the idea of the 22-year old trying to compromise his long-term health.
“Dwight has already told me that he wants to try, but he is just in no shape to try,” said Baldwin.
Ramos, though, is not the only hurting body on the Gilas right now as Cebuano forward Carl Tamayo and naturalized player Angelo Kouame are nursing a sprained ankle and a sore knee, respectively. Tamayo suffered the injury in the game versus Indonesia more than a week ago but the pride of Talisay City remains hindered by it.
“Carl Tamayo, I wouldn’t say that he has a setback. But now that he is trying to go full speed, he is experiencing quite a bit of discomfort on his ankle,” Baldwin shared.
“Ange Kouame is nursing his deep knee bruise, deep knee contusion that he got from the third window,” Baldwin added. “He is not at full speed.” (JNP)
Gilas ace Dwight Ramos ‘not likely’ to play in OQT due to injured groin - SunStar Philippines
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