When Jayson Castro was ruled out for the 30th Southeast Asian Games due to a soleus muscle strain, Gilas head coach Tim Cone was looking at four players to fill the shoes left by the two-time Best Point Guard in Asia awardee.
Now, Cone’s search is apparently down to one.
The decorated tactician is hoping to add Kiefer Ravena to the national team pool.
“We’re looking to add him,” said Tim Cone after Ginebra’s 24-point loss to Meralco, Sunday.
“But we still have to clear things up with the organizers if we could add him.”
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas had already submitted a 15-man pool for the men’s 5-on-5 squad last September 25 to the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee. It is still unsure whether PHISGOC will allow a last-minute change in rosters, especially with the games less than a month away.
The 6-foot combo guard Ravena is having a breakout year with NLEX. He currently averages 16.5 points, 9.25 assists, and 6.0 rebounds.
If allowed, the 26-year-old will have a chance to win a fifth SEA Games gold medal, having won in the Jakarta, Naypyidaw, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur edition of the games.
The Philippines is looking to win its 19th championship in the biennial meet.
