When it comes to basketball in the Philippines, even those who aren't fans at least know the basics about it. With the sport's popularity, everyone has probably seen at least one game in their whole life, whether it be on TV or in-person. We all probably also share canon events involving the sport—think boy classmates dribbling imaginary basketballs in the classroom, or them aiming to get three points as they shoot trash into the bin.
Among the parts of the sport that we've loved throughout the years are the players that have represented teams we've rooted for. Different generations may have other names and faces that come to mind, but among the many It Boys of Philippine basketball rn is Gilas Pilipinas star Dwight Ramos.
Here Are 11 Things You Need To Know About Dwight
1. He's a Gen-Z and a Virgo.
Dwight was born on September 2, 1998 in West Covina, California. In 2023, he celebrated his 25th birthday with Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA Basketball World Cup. And birthday wishes do come true, because Gilas actually won that game against China, with a score of 96-75. Dwight also received a birthday cake inside the stadium with thousands of cheering fans present and watching.
2. He's over six feet tall.
He isn't dubbed Saint Dwight by his fans for nothing. Apart from his stellar play in the court, Dwight also stands at 6'4" tall. He was really made for basketball right from the start!
3. He's in a longterm relationship with volleyball star Kianna Dy.
Now, we already know Dwight is quite the charmer. So, it comes to no surprise that he's in a loving, longterm relationship with none other than volleyball star Kim Kianna Dy (she's shared how he's such a green flag, btw!). The pair of athletes started dating in 2020 and have been growing strong since. In a vlog, they revealed that they actually met at a party and got introduced to each other by Thirdy Ravena (let us all say, "Thank you, Thirdy!").
While talking to SportsPlus PH, Dwight talked about how Kianna understands him really well. With the both of them in sports, he said, "She understands the life and what you have to do." He adds, "She understands like when I got to do something, I got to do this."
4. He is a Japanese B.League co-captain.
Dwight and Kianna have been in an LDR since 2022 because Dwight is actually the co-captain of the Japanese B.League team, Levanga Hokkaido. He started playing for the team in May 2022. He then signed a contract extension which allows him to continue playing for the team for the 2024 to 2025 season.
5. He doesn't just bring his A-game to the court—he has great style, too!
Apart from being such a good player in the court, Dwight is quite the style star, too! Whenever he's with Kianna, he puts together outfits that complement hers. But don't sleep on his individual style, too because he is quite dapper on his OOTDs. With oversized jackets and polo shirts paired with baggy trousers, he's got that off-duty look down to a tee.
6. He likes to play video games.
He might be really cool on the court, but during the off season, Dwight is actually just a really chill guy. In an interview with the Philippine Star, Dwight shared that his hobbies outside of the sport include playing video games and sleeping when he doesn't have practice. He also likes to go to the mall, roam around, and eat with his girlfriend Kianna. He spilled this in an interview with SportsPlus PH when asked how a typical date night between them goes. He also shared how he appreciates it more if people just treats him like a regular person. "I appreciate it more if like, they just treat me normally like I'm a regular dude."
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7. He's never gotten used to being called "St. Dwight" by his fans.
In conversation with the Philippine Star, Dwight also revealed that while it's been a couple of years since his fans started dubbing him as "St. Dwight," he never really got used to it. "I don't know...I always just start smiling. I really don't know what it really means," he sheepishly said. "Just a regular guy, really." he added.
8. Dwight and Kianna are furparents!
Dwight and Kiana share an adorable corgi, Koda—who even has an Instagram account! Like the cute little family they are, they already did a photoshoot together. And while talking to SportsPlus PH, Dwight also revealed that Kianna can sometimes get "over the top" with taking care of Koda. "So, it's like you could see [a] motherly type of love," he shared.
9. Dwight almost quit basketball.
In his chat with SportsPlus PH, Dwight got candid about thinking of quitting basketball altogether in the earlier days of his career in the U.S.—to the point where he was just thinking of graduating and getting a job. But then he got presented with an opportunity to move and play in the Philippines. He opened up about how basketball fan culture here was new to him. "Not too many people care in the U.S. unless you're an NBA player. And here, I was just a college player. Just came here a couple months and like, they're still asking for a lot of pictures. I was like, 'Do you guys, do you even know who I am?' It was just all new to me. I didn't expect it," he admitted.
10. Dwight still has his career goals lined up for him.
For a player as celebrated as Dwight, he still has goals he wants to achieve. After all, he's only 26 years old! He told SportsPlus PH that his goals include getting the Asian Cup, a medalist in the World Cup, and play in the Olympics. "I haven't reached it yet, but I'm still working towards it," Dwight expressed.
11. He organizes basketball camps for younger players.
Apart from being such a champ in the court, Dwight also champions for young basketball aspirants. He's already held his second Dwight Ramos Basketball Camp earlier this year. Even with his busy schedule, Dwight does it to help the next generation of basketball players. "I think it happens all around the world, like there's a lot of talented athletes and they just don't have the exposure or like the right places, know the right people. So I guess, just trying to make that known, that, like, you can come here, you get noticed and maybe things can take off from there," he explained.
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