Dwight Ramos feels Filipino crowd’s love wherever he plays

Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos during the Japan B.League Manila preseason games. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Dwight Ramos once again felt the frenzy of the Filipino crowd during the Japan B.League Manila Games.

By now, though, the situation is hardly a surprise.

READ: Dwight Ramos ‘big piece’ in Levanga’s B.League bid, says Tominaga

After playing for Gilas Pilipinas around the world, Ramos said playing at home–even for a Japanese club–felt much the same.

“I play in Japan and there’s a lot of Filipinos there. I played in the Middle East, and there’s also a lot of Filipinos there. I play here and the gym’s packed,” he said. “I can’t even tell the difference. It’s the same everywhere I go.”

“No matter where I go, I get the same crowd where I play. I really appreciate it and I’m really grateful for it.”

Fans at Mall of Asia Arena during the Japan B.League Manila preseason games. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO

The rowdy home crowd fueled Ramos to drop 17 points, four assists and three rebounds.

His Levanga Hokkaido, however, fell to the Gunma Crane Thunders for the second straight night, this time a 101-91 loss in overtime Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Japan B.League coaches impressed by Manila crowd’s passion

On the other side, AJ Edu nearly tallied a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

Like Ramos, Edu was ecstatic to feel the home crowd again, but he was happier to see his Gunma teammates experience the Filipino fans’ passion.

“It’s great that they also experienced how Filipino fans are,” said Edu. “This isn’t quite like Gilas but I always talk about their passion so I’m grateful that my team got to experience that firsthand.”