Kiefer Ravena is now officially part of Gilas Pilipinas’ pool for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Gilas team manager Gabby Cui himself confirmed the development on Monday, moments after the Nationals escaped San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, 98-95, in a tuneup game at the Meralco Gym.
Cui said that there will be no issues in including the NLEX Road Warriors star, since the PHISGOC only needs head coach Tim Cone’s final 12-man lineup from the team.
“It’s the final twelve that we’re going to submit,” said the amiable executive, who is also the TNT KaTropa manager.
Gilas invited Ravena in the absence of leader Jayson Castro, who suffered a soleus muscle strain during TNT’s PBA Governors’ Cup match versus NLEX last October 25.
That unfortunate injury will keep the veteran internationalist out for four to six weeks.
With this, Ravena brings to the team a wealth of SEA Games experience. He has helped the country seize the gold medal in the last four editions of the regional multi-sporting event.
Despite owning multiple titles on this stage, Ravena said he sees this is an opportunity for him to learn especially from Cone, the winningest coach in the PBA with 21 championships.
“This is my moment to absorb everything that I can in terms of learning a lot from coach Tim. He and I spoke a lot kanina. [I will] Just try to learn from the best,” said Ravena, who watched the tune-up.
“I watched the game and try to be with them as much as I can, being mentally present para pagdating ng practice, ‘di na sila masyado maga-adjust sa’ kin, ako na lang.”
