When Kiefer Ravena impressed in his pro debut with 18 points and 12 assists in NLEX Road Warriors’ 119-115 win over the Kia Picanto last December 20, coach Yeng Guiao admitted that he has high expectations for his rookie, even comparing him to some of his best guards before.
“He’s a combination of Paul Lee and Willie Miller,” opined Guiao. “He’s able to create his own shots, he’s able to find his open teammates and that’s very good for the team because our style of play is really just finding the open guys.
“He’s smart enough to recognize that.”
So when the veteran mentor made those remarks, NLEX’s match with Lee and the Magnolia Hotshots was was highly-anticipated one, with many raring to see if the Ateneo de Manila great could keep up with the Lethal Weapon.
On Sunday night, the face-off finally took place.
Ravena out-dueled Lee, having a big night with 31 points, five assists, and four rebounds without any turnovers. But Lee had the last laugh, as he and the Hotshots went away with the win, 105-94, and sent NLEX to their second loss.
With what had transpired on Sunday and with what he had seen from the Phenom, the 28-year-old had nothing but praises to say towards the Gilas Pilipinas cager.
Photo by PBA Images
“Magaling talaga, magaling si Kiefer. Very promising siya,” added Lee, who — just like Ravena — was the second overall pick in his draft class.
“For sure malayong-malayo yung mararating niya dito sa PBA.”
The University of the East product admitted that he had been eager heading into his match-up with Ravena. And the former Finals Most Valuable Player couldn’t be more glad that he was able to perform big — not just in their clash, but for the now 3-1 Hotshots as well.
“Excited ako kasi first time namin magtapat eh, dito lang nangyari yun. Buti nakapag-perform ako sa game ngayon,” said Lee, who top-billed for Magnolia with 21 points along with four assists and three rebounds.
When asked regarding the comparison of Guiao, his coach in Rain or Shine where they won two titles together, Lee was honored.
“Pagka yung coach nagsasabi ng ganun, may nakita siyang kakaiba,” said the seven-year pro. “Sobrang galing nung bata. ‘Pag di mo siya kakilala at pag pinanood mo siya ngayon, iisipin mo matagal na sa liga. Talagang very talented, gifted.
“Hinog na hinog na talaga para sa PBA.”
