Kiefer Ravena holds no ill feelings after being left out of Gilas Pilipinas’ pool for the 30th Southeast Asian Games
The NLEX Road Warriors star was a surprising non-inclusion in the 15-man selection which temporary coach Tim Cone announced together with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the PBA on Thursday.
“Panghihinayang, wala. National team yan eh,” said Ravena, moments after the Road Warriors’ 105-99 conquest of the Meralco Bolts in 2019 Governors’ Cup action, Friday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The second generation cager also doesn’t regret missing out on the possibility of bagging his record fifth straight SEA Games gold medal. Ravena first played in the biennial regional meet in 2011 when he was still an Ateneo Blue Eagle.
For the 25-year-old guard, after all, his four golds are enough reason not to feel bad.
“Paano ka pa maghihinayang doon, ‘di ba?”
Ravena even defended the composition of the lineup spearheaded by the core of Barangay Ginebra, saying that questioning it is like questioning the greatness of the PBA’s winningest tactician.
“Wala naman. I’m a great admirer of coach Tim — we all are. For different people to think twice or question the lineup, parang sinasabi mo na kinu-question mo rin yung greatness ni coach Tim,” he said.
“He’s put there for a reason, and that reason is his capability of handling any team,” added the sophomore point guard.
“Nakita mo naman yung lineup — ‘di nga namin matalo sa PBA yun eh, pinagsama-sama mo pa sa isang team.”
With that, Ravena expressed excitement in showing support to the national team — even if he’ll be watching from afar.
“We’ll continue to support the team in any way we can, whether helping other people believe in what they’re trying to do and support them live pagdating ng laro dito. It’s going to be fun,” he said.
“We’re excited to support the team.”
