Ask any fan who their favorite current Gilas player is, and you’ll most likely get Dwight Ramos, Rhenz Abando, or AJ Edu.
To no surprise, as all three youngsters had a FIBA World Cup to remember. Ramos established he could be the team’s star and that his good looks are just a bonus. Abando showed he is more than just his hops. Edu, meanwhile, was easily Gilas’ top big man in the tournament.
It’s also not surprising to see that the 12-man national team has formed a strong bond—they have stuck together despite the continuous bashing from fans.
Supporters now begin to see that bond, as Gilas is now free—somewhat—from pressure as they have concluded their FIBA World Cup campaign. Some of the players have been more visible on social media since they won against China. Kiefer Ravena took to Instagram to show his appreciation for Abando, calling him "my boy" and the greatest athlete he’s ever played with.
Rhenz is also showing love to his teammates, particularly Dwight, or so it seems.
Instagram user @darylfrapp uploaded a series of Gilas photos. One of the pictures focused on Ramos and Abando when the national anthem was being played.
All of them looked serious. Ramos, too, except that the do-it-all swingman was also dashing. And Abando just couldn’t overlook that fact.
“Panget tumabi sa’yo, Daddy Dwight,” the former Letran Knight and current Asian import of Anyang KGC wrote on his Instagram story, coupled with a laughing emoji.
St. Dwight does have good looks, and it’s not just his girlfriend, volleyball pro Kim Kianna Dy, who would agree.
Abando now knows better. Perhaps he’ll take that into account on their next Gilas go-around, which may take some time, unfortunately.
The Asian Games are taking place later this month, but Rhenz is expected to return to his team in the KBL, while Dwight is suiting up for Levanga Hokkaido in the upcoming Japan B.League season.