Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu to miss Gilas Pilipinas' Asian Games title defense bid

Gilas Pilipinas will have to defend its Asian Games men's basketball crown without two of its key players as Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu are set to miss the continental showpiece due to prior commitments with their respective overseas clubs.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy revealed that both Ramos and Edu will play for their respective Japan B. League teams on September 9 and 10 here in Manila. Ramos' Levanga Hokkaido will face Edu's Gunma Crane Thunders in back-to-back games at the Mall of Asia Arena.

"I think it's safe to say that Dwight and AJ [will miss] because they're playing in the Manila B. League games on September 9 and 10. So conflict na 'yan kaagad sa schedule ng Asian Games kaya hindi sila makakasama," Dy shared in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday.

(I think it's safe to say that Dwight and AJ [will miss] because they're playing in the Manila B. League games on September 9 and 10. So that's already a conflict with the Asian Games schedule so they can't join the team.)

Dy, however, revealed that the SBP has already submitted a long list of players, although the federation has yet to finalize the roster out of respect for head coach Tim Cone's decision.

Dy said the long list includes new names such as Brandon Bates and Sedrick Barefield after Gilas requested additional players on top of the usual names that have been bannering the national team in the past tournaments.

"In terms of lineup, alam naman natin na pagdating sa mundo ng sport events meron tayong tinatawag na long list at short list. 'Yung long list na-submit na natin 'yan, about 30 plus ang mga pangalan," Dy added.

"Doon sa 30 plus na 'yun, nando'n naman 'yung mga mainstays ng Gilas plus we were able to ask additional names. Looking at the long list, nandiyan sila Bates, Barefield."

(In terms of lineup, we know that in the world of sports events, we have what we call the long list and short list. The long list, we've submitted that already, about 30-plus names... In that 30-plus are the names of the Gilas mainstays plus we were able to ask additional names. Looking at the long list, it includes Bates and Barefield.)

Dy also said Justin Brownlee remains Gilas Pilipinas' top choice as its naturalized player for the Asian Games despite missing the team's FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers clash against Australia earlier this month due to multiple injuries.

Gilas also has Bennie Boatwright as an option, although Dy noted that the former San Miguel import has yet to complete the naturalization process.

His documents still require the signature of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. before he can be issued a certificate of naturalization and a Philippine passport. Boatwright, though, is part of the long list.

"With regards to Bennie Boatwright, the legislative process for his naturalization has already been completed but the process itself has not yet been completed," Dy said.

"It still needs to be signed by the President. Manunumpa siya tapos pupunta tayo sa Bureau of Immigration para kumuha ng naturalization certificate. With that certificate, that's the only time we can apply for his passport."

(It still needs to be signed by the President. He has to take an oath and then we will go to the Bureau of Immigration to get a naturalization certificate. With that certificate, that's the only time we can apply for his passport.)

—JMB, GMA News