Despite being in Japan, Kiefer Ravena had always said that he won’t be turning his back on a Gilas call-up.
In fact, he was supposed to play for the Philippines during the Big Dome bubble of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
But an unfortunate test result changed his plans.
“It was really unfortunate when I was supposed to head back home and play for the window against India and New Zealand,” said the Shiga Lakestars star.
“I was invited to the pool together with Thirdy [Ravena] and Dwight [Ramos] but as soon as I was about to leave I was infected with the coronavirus, they didn’t allow me to go because the quarantine is really strict during that time and staying at home and being in quarantine for more than 10 days.”
Last month was a tough time for Ravena as he was stuck in his apartment, waiting to churn a negative RT-PCR test.
And he is filled with regrets as he was not able to help Gilas during the window that saw a mixed 1-1 result — a dominant 99-65 win over India and a crushing 88-63 loss to the Tall Blacks.
“Not being able to practice and not being able to play games or just even play basketball it’s really tough and I felt like I would be a burden to the team just by being there,” he continued. “I wouldn’t be in shape, in the right mind, and game-shape but I would have love to help out in small ways to help that program make strides forward.
“Still, I was very thankful for SBP for inviting me for that window and hopefully I get another chance to represent the country.”
SEA Games Streak Ends
Kiefer Ravena was once again called up by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas just days after the second window closed.
This time around, it was for the Southeast Asian Games which will be played this May in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Upbeat was Ravena once he got the call as he gets another chance to win another SEA Games gold — a probable sixth gold in the last 11 years. Moreover, his B.League commitments end on May 8 — just four days before the opening ceremony of the Hanoi Games.
“I was actually called up by Tito Butch Antonio,” he recalled. “He called me and we were able to talk, catch up for a bit and really talk about the SEA Games and the upcoming schedule that was in line for the program and I told him I would give him an update, I’m just really not sure how the schedule works out here in Japan with the cancellation of the games during the time of the surge of the virus was here. Not really sure whether they would put it in the end or at the middle [of the final stretch of the league].
“I’m not sure so what I told him was, I’m available whenever our season finishes and that I’ll be going there. I asked him if it’s okay with Coach Chot [Reyes] if I’ll be late because me Thirdy and Dwight will relatively finish all at the same time here in Japan,” he continued.
“I submitted my passport details and the list, like the SEA Games registration form and yeah I was just waiting here on my side for updates.”
When the pool was announced last Friday, Kiefer Ravena was not part of the list.
Unlike in 2019 that saw him replace an injured Jayson Castro, there will be no chance of substitution as Vietnam’s SEA Games Organizing Committee is strict with its registration for health and safety reasons.
Yes, the streak that started in Jakarta when he was just 18 years old and extended in Naypyidaw, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila has hit its end.
“I guess they kinda had the list already and unfortunately I wasn’t there.
“I know those are deserving players, those are Coach Chot thinks would give them the best chance to continue the streak for the Philippines in terms of getting the gold medal in the SEA Games,” he said about the team that has his brother Thirdy and good pal Kevin Alas.
Understandably, there’s a part in Ravena that had hoped to be part of Gilas. But there’s also a side of him that is telling him that maybe, it’s time for the next generation to start a new streak.
In this batch of Gilas, 17-year-old Caelum Harris and 18-year-old Lebron Lopez have the best chance to build a streak of their own.
And Ravena, just like everyone else, will be rooting for them.
“I think five has been more than a blessing for me. Having five straight gold medals for the SEA Games, it’s unheard of.
“I think in that group Lebron has the biggest chance of starting it off well. I started my first gold medal in 2011 I was 17 just about to turn 18 so he has a decent chance of beating it,” he opined.
“Hopefully, the team performs very well. Right now, with what happened, I think my main concern and my main focus is here finishing healthy and strong with my remaining months here in Shiga,” he hopes.
Still Ready for a Call-up
Kiefer Ravena vows that he will still continue to answer the call of duty.
After all, the SEA Games is just one of the stops on Gilas’ road to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“Well, obviously ready naman tayo kung ano mang mangyari but we’ll see whatever is in front of me. I’ll just take it a day at a time. I’ll leave it to the SBP, to Coach Chot as whatever they see they need to do to make the program work doon lang tayo at susuportahan naman natin yan,” he said. “Hindi naman tayo magho-hold ng grudge about that because it’s the country that we’re talking about and I think that’s one thing that we all have to do as of the moment and that’s one thing that we’re lacking as of the moment.
“There’s a lot of divide no? So whether we’re talking about who we want to be part of the lineup or who has to be leading the team, it’s the national team it’s so much bigger on who you want part of the team diba? So kung ano man yung maitutulong natin, magigive back namin that would be enough na.”
Storied has been Ravena’s national team career.
Since 2009, he has played in every level and age group of global basketball. He was even part of the national 3×3 basketball team.
It was there where he experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. From triumphs to tears and everything in between, Ravena’s national team career has felt it all.
And if this was the end, well, he has no regrets and will always look back on that time with wonder.
“I mean I think I have served my dues when it comes to the national team, I’ve had my ups and downs for the national team. A lot of people never really wanted me there or questioned why am I there in the first place,” the 28-year-old combo guard shared. “But you know those are opportunities for me to represent my country and during those times I will just take it. It’s not so very often that you get the chance to represent your country but now with all the players that we have, the younger players, I think they’re in good hands they can handle it on their own.
“They’re having Dwight, Thirdy there leading the pack and Robert Bolick, the future of Gilas. So kung ano man yung maliit na matutulong natin diyan yun na lang siguro but in terms of making the team or not, it wouldn’t be a problem for me because I think I’ve had my fair share of Gilas opportunities and I’m very thankful for that.
“I’m very thankful for Boss MVP [Manny V. Pangilinan], Boss Ricky Vargas, and Coach Chot as he was the first one who actually really allowed me to join Gilas when he was running the team from 2013 to 2015 he was there. The SBP in general. I’m just grateful,” he closed.
