‘I Love Dwight Too’: Cone Explains Ramos’ Absence, Appeal

Photo: FIBA

Dwight Ramos was a notable absentee in Gilas Pilipinas’ dominant 93-54 victory over Hong Kong in the 2025 FIBA Asia Qualifiers held in Manila.

While fans clamored for the talented forward’s presence on the court – chanting “We want Dwight!” multiple times – head coach Tim Cone revealed that Ramos was sidelined due to a calf injury.

Cone provided a detailed explanation after the game, addressing the chants from fans eager to see Ramos play. “There was a fan on the front row, along the basket, and I told him, ‘He was injured. I can’t play him.’ And he still kept saying, ‘We want Dwight! We want Dwight!’ I mean, I love Dwight. I’m like all the girls; I love Dwight. I just love him for different reasons, right? I love him for his basketball mind and his talent. He’s got an incredible basketball mind. The girls love him for his looks. I can’t like him for his looks. I love him for his brain, his basketball brain.”

The 26-year-old standout reportedly attempted to practice before the game and even participated in the team’s shootaround but continued to experience pain. Cone emphasized the decision to prioritize Ramos’ long-term health and career over the temporary boost his presence would have brought to the team.

“We weren’t sure until we came to the game,” Cone said. “We said we were going to warm up and see how it was, but he was still feeling pain. Obviously, to be honest, I would have pushed him harder to play if we were to play New Zealand, but we felt that we could rest him and be careful with him in this game. And that’s the best for him, because he has to play in Japan and keep his career going. I didn’t want to blow that calf out.”

Ramos, who has been a cornerstone for Gilas and continues to shine in the Japan’s B.League, has become a fan favorite for his exceptional skills and magnetic presence. Cone acknowledged that while Ramos’ absence was felt by fans, the decision to rest him was made in consultation with the team’s medical staff.

“I was under orders from the training staff that he should not play,” Cone explained. “Even Alfrancis Chua suggested that why don’t we put him for 30 seconds, and he can just stand there at the corner of the court. And I go, I don’t know if that’ll work. So, I didn’t do that.”

Interestingly, Ramos’ injury wasn’t an isolated incident. Cone mentioned that Calvin Oftana also dealt with a calf issue recently, earning the duo the playful nickname “Calf Brothers” among the team. Cone even reflected on whether adjustments need to be made in the team’s preparation routines to prevent similar injuries.

Despite Ramos’ absence, Gilas proved too strong for Hong Kong, with the team delivering a masterful performance that showcased their depth and talent.