Kiefer Ravena’s responsibility with Gilas Pilipinas has gotten bigger now that he has been named as its captain.
Head coach Mark Dickel appointed the 26-year-old on Sunday evening, moments after the Nationals’ practice in preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers later this February.
The Kiwi mentor expressed his utmost confidence in Ravena and his ability to be the team’s leader.
“It suits him,” said Dickel, who has the task of coaching Gilas for the first window. “He’s talkative, communicative. It’s his turn. I think he’s more than capable of taking that role and doing a great job with it.
“We want everyone to be like that. But it’s gotta start with one guy first,” he furthered.
“I think he can be a world-class point guard. My job this window is to start to get that out of him.”
Dickel said that he has seen how good of a leader Ravena is with the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA, so he sees no reason why the second-generation star won’t be the same with Gilas.
“I’ve seen him do it numerous times for NLEX where I thought he was excellent last conference,” said Dickel, who serves as an active consultant to flagship MVP franchise TNT KaTropa.
“Really took them to his shoulders and led them. There’s no reason he can’t do it here.”
Ravena admitted that there’s pressure in having such task, but added that he won’t be doing it all by himself. He has even sought support — most especially from veteran Marc Pingris.
“Humingi lang din ako ng tulong of course with the PBA guys, especially kay kuya Marc Pingris,” he said. “I won’t necessarily take all the cudgels na ako lang ‘yung team captain.
“May pressure, of course, but hindi ko inaako lahat. At least andiyan sina Poy [Erram], sina RR [Pogoy], CJ [Perez], Troy [Rosario], especially since ‘yung apat na ‘yun naka-experience ng World Cup,” he continued.
“Kahit papaano, alam namin ‘yung highest level of international basketball. Ita-try namin. Magtutulungan lang kami para mapagana lahat and mabigyan ng panibagong identity ‘yung pool ng Gilas.”
Gilas is now keen on developing younger players for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Part of that goal is establishing a culture of belief, dedication, and commitment, as per program director Tab Baldwin.
So Ravena, who has won five gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, aims to help build just that.
“We’re in a position right now where we are trying to build a culture as the foundation for the 2023 World Cup. As one of the leaders nga, I just want to try to build that culture.”
