Kiefer Ravena will be representing the Philippines anew, this time for club team Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas in the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup. And being one of the squad’s leaders, the 23-year-old had a unique observation of the squad.
“This is the team that has the most La Sallians that I’ve ever been,” Ravena said in jest during Chooks’ presser Tuesday noon at the Discovery Suites in Pasig. “We have five players from La Salle — Norbert [Torres], Almond [Vosotros], LA [Revilla], Gab [Banal], and Jeron.
“So chemistry-wise, I think it would be…” he added, drawing chuckle from everyone in the room.
But on a more serious note, chemistry is what the young Chooks-to-Go team is working on as they will be facing much experienced teams in Chenzhou, China from September 22 to 30.
“We’re playing professional players who’ve been playing for club tournaments for quite awhile. So its another challenge for us to step up to the plate and show our chemistry lalo na matatanda kalaban namin,” said Ravena, who just won his fourth SEA Games gold last month.
“That’s why we’re having practice for twice a day to maximize and have the opportunity to play together and develop our chemistry.”
Chooks-to-Go may have faced a few adversities prior to the tournament, with players’ availability serving as the main reason. But despite this, Ravena vows that his team will do everything to compete.
“Definitely, yung puso pa rin, nandoon. That’s something that will always be there. Lagi lang namin iisipin to play together, to play for one another as this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime,” said Ravena.
“With everybody else here, we’re going to give our best every game in China.”
