Dwight Ramos, Thirdy Ravena prove they are worthy of Gilas leadership, says Coach Chot

Despite a tough outing for Gilas Pilipinas in their clash with New Zealand on Sunday, there were a few bright spots for the national team, particularly in young players Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos.

The two led the squad on both ends of the floor, combining for 41 out of the team's total of 63 points and 15 rebounds out of Gilas' 34.

Ravena led all scorers with 23 points alongside five rebounds, five assists, and five steals while Ramos had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes previously said that the two players were expected to be the leaders of the national squad and on Sunday, they just proved Reyes right.

"Definitely, and not only with their statistics, with their points, but in all aspects of leadership," Reyes said in a post-game conference. "Their work ethic, the energy they bring to practices, everything that's important for leaders."

Even New Zealand head coach Pero Cameron praised the two Filipino players.

"Ramos is always tough. He's a quality player," Cameron said. "Also Thirdy. he's exciting to watch also," the New Zealand coach said, adding that Kib Montalbo is also one of his favorite players to watch from the Gilas squad.

But for Ravena, Sunday's loss was actually frustrating despite his own stellar performance.

"It's hard to be happy right now at this moment kasi nga talo kami. It doesn't mean anything if you score 40 points and lose the game. I feel like we could've beat this team but that's the frustrating part about it," Ravena said.

Despite the sorry loss, Ravena is still grateful for being a part of the national squad.

"We were able to fight pero nakakapanghinayang lang at the end of the day. It's always a lesson, it's always a blessing to be able to have this opportunity to represent the country and fight these great teams."

—JMB, GMA News