Kiefer Ravena makes it to Gilas World Cup lineup as Wright, Erram cut

Kiefer Ravena has made it to Gilas Pilipinas’ 12-man lineup for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.

The 25-year-old is part of the roster that the SBP unveiled on Sunday, despite an 18-month absence due to a FIBA suspension for doping violations.

Joining Ravena in the lineup are his fellow young guns CJ Perez and Robert Bolick. The duo both impressed during the national team’s days-long training camp in Spain.

Naturalized center Andray Blatche, captain Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo, and Paul Lee also cracked the team. The quintet will play in their second straight World Cup.

Completing the squad are bigs Raymond Almazan and Troy Rosario, and guards Roger Pogoy and Mark Barroca.

Poy Erram and Matthew Wright were both cut from the team, as they are still recovering from minor injuries.

Coach Yeng Guiao and his deputies selected virtually the same team that played in two tuneup games versus Australian ball club Adelaide 36ers last Friday and Sunday, where Gilas went 1-1.

The global basketball spectacle will raise its curtains this Friday, August 31, when Gilas will battle Italy.