Ramos set for FIBA Asia Cup, World Cup qualifiers

Evan Ramos, a fan favorite, will represent the Philippines in both the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup and the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.

Ramos expressed optimism during a media availability at the Japan B.League Finals viewing party on Saturday, noting that while facing tough opponents like New Zealand and Chinese Taipei again is challenging, his focus remains on securing qualification for Gilas Philippines.

Gilas Philippines' group includes Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq in Pool D of the FIBA Asia Cup this August in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with additional World Cup Qualifiers against Australia, Guam, and New Zealand starting in November.

Ramos acknowledged the difficulty of facing these teams without star center Kai Sotto but emphasized that the team's goal is to qualify for both tournaments rather than winning every game.

The 6-foot-4 Filipino-American player recently returned from a grueling season with Levanga Hokkaido and will first return to the U.S. for personal training before rejoining his teammates ahead of the Asia Cup in August.