JAKARTA – Contemporaries Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks never thought that they would. one day, serve as the ‘kuyas’ of Gilas Pilipinas.
Not that it was a possibility they didn’t think of back then, but to actually see it become a reality at this point of their careers is where the wonder comes.
Both the second-generation stars are now carrying that big of a responsibility as they are part of the youth-laden crew for the FIBA Asia Cup here.
“Hindi namin in-imagine ‘to na one day, na parang pagdating ng panahon na kami na,” said Ravena. “Siguro nasabi namin na down the road, eventually, pero as early as now, sobrang thankful namin na nabless kami sa opportunity na ‘to.
“Kasi, nasusubaybayan din namin ‘yung career ng mga bata tapos kami rin full circle, nanggaling kami sa sitwasyon nila dati, so nakakatuwa.”
Echoed Parks: “I never imagined in my life. With so many great players in the PBA, and so many great players in the Philippines, isang karangalan talaga na masabing isang leader sa team of such a talented group of young guys.”
This marks yet another national team stint for the two, whose careers will always be intertwined given their history that dates back to college. Quite surprisingly, though, this is just their first team-up for Gilas Men.
All of their previous campaigns together were with the Cadets, including four consecutive Southeast Asian Games gigs from 2011-17.
They even had a stint with Alab Pilipinas in the 2017 ASEAN Basketball League playoffs but Parks, himself a three-time MVP of that league, wasn’t able to share the court with Ravena as he was nursing an injury then.
So from being the recipient of so many lessons from their veterans back in the day, both the well-traveled pros are now the ones doing so.
And both of them are willingly embracing that role to guys like SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Carl Tamayo, Will Navarro, Francis Lopez, Kevin Quiambao, and Geo Chiu, who will also be joined by Thirdy Ravena and Poy Erram in the tilt.
Photo from Nagoya Diamond Dolphins
“All we can do is give our wisdom and knowledge of the game to the next generation,” said Parks.
“At the end of the day, we’re here to grow and learn.”
“Lahat ng natutunan namin ni Ray from our respective Gilas squads, tina-try naming i-apply dito sa mga batang to para kahit papano, may ma-share kami sa mga careers nila. Yun yung gusto naming magawa,” Ravena added.
