Dwight Ramos will not join Gilas Pilipinas in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup due to shin splints and will be replaced by Rhenz Abando
Gilas Pilipinas will miss the services of one of its main gunners, Dwight Ramos, in the upcoming 2022 FIBAAsia Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia as announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Sunday.
Ramos has been ruled out of the tournament due to medial tibial stress syndrome, or shin splints which had caused pain in his left leg for the past week which became worse and could not join the team practices anymore.
"We will definitely miss Dwight, who's one of our starters," Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said.
SBP then is looking to find a replacement in the reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Rhenz Abando.
"Gilas Pilipinas Men will now attempt to replace Ramos from the lineup with Rhenz Abando. This will be brought up during the technical meeting before the start of the tournament by Gilas team manager Butch Antonio," read the statement.
Ramos has been carrying a huge load for the Gilas during the first round of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where he averaged 15.5 points, 7 rebounds, 2.8 assists.
Aside from Ramos, the national team will also play without naturalized center Ange Kouame, who is dealing with ACL problems, and Dave Ildefonso who is out due to a knee injury.
Making up the roster for the upcoming Asia Cup are Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, the comebacking Ray Parks, RJ Abarrientos, SJ Belangel, William Navarro, and Carl Tamayo.
Also part of the crew are TNT center Poy Erram, Francis Lopez, Geo Chiu, and Kevin Quiambao.
The FIBA Asia Cup starts on July 12, with the Philippines in Group D along with India, Lebanon, and New Zealand and the team will start their campaign on Wednesday, July 13 against Lebanon.
Gilas will then take on India and New Zealand on the 15th and 17th, respectively.
Tags: #FIBA, #basketball, #Gilas