After 487 days, Kiefer Ravena is back on a basketball court.
Ravena has been slotted as Jayson Castro’s replacement for the Philippines’ campaign in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. And he finally took part in his first practice for Gilas Pilipinas since the second window of the Asian Qualifiers, Monday afternoon at the Meralco Gym in Quezon City.
The second generation cager is at the tail-end of an 18-month suspension from FIBA due to traces of banned substances found in his system last February 25.
By the time the World Cup in China rolls around on August 31, his suspension will be over.
Ravena arrived at around 4:45 in the afternoon.
Robert Bolick and CJ Perez also took part in their first practice with the team. Both of them are new additions to the expanded Gilas pool.
Surprisingly, Stanley Pringle also joined the practices. Pringle is seen as a naturalized player by FIBA and played in two qualifier games, averaging 21.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Completing the night’s cast were Raymond Almazan, June Mar Fajardo, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar, JP Erram, Marcio Lassiter, and Mark Barroca.
Gabe Norwood was not around as of publishing.
Yet to show up in a practice are Thirdy Ravena and Scottie Thompson.
Update: as of tonight, Scottie Thompson has withdrawn from the Gilas campaign.
