Kiefer Ravena has a lot of work to do to break in as he chases his fourth SEA Games gold
The current batch of Gilas Pilipinas cadets have been together for over a year. From the 2016 FIBA Asia Cup to the practices of the team, the 11 men that entered the PBA at the same time have come to grow together as well.
And the 23-year-old knows that he has a lot of catching up to do.
“The cadets have been practicing for almost a year,” Ravena shared. “Having point guards there with Jio [Jalalon] and Mike [Tolomia], very used na sila sa system ng cadets. Ako, I have to adjust to that and find my role in time for the tournaments. Preparation-wise, ‘di siya pabor sa akin kasi mag-a-adjust pa ko, but double-time, double the effort.
“I’m just glad to be back and have the opportunity to fight for a spot, especially this upcoming Jones Cup and SEA Games.”
Even if he will enter the pool with a “disadvantage”, the 6-foot combo guard is motivated to set the Southeast Asian Games record for most gold medals in basketball. Ravena is looking to win his fourth gold medal after being part of the 2011, 2013, and 2015 SEA Games.
He is currently tied with Romel Adducul for the SEAG basketball record.
“Nandito na ito eh. Matagal ko ng dream to have the record of most medals.
“It’s a matter of representing your country,” Ravena added. “It’s a dream of mine that I really wanted to try talaga, and for now, nandito ako, nandito yung opportunity, and ito yung goal ko, to make it to the national team.
“I’ll pursue that: to represent the country sa SEA Games o kung ano mang international tournament.”
Still, the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player is taking it one battle at a time as he prepares for the upcoming FIBA 3×3 World Cup.
“Siguro kung ano muna ang task at hand, which is 3×3,” shared Ravena, who will be joined by Jeron Teng, Kobe Paras, and JR Quinahan. “Di muna yung Sea Games without thinking of the 3×3 kasi doon ako unang nag-commit fully eh. Meron kaming goal nama-exceed yung goal last time.
“Siguro eventually, tsaka ko na iisipin yung SEA Games.”
