KIEFER Ravena will skip the FIBA Asia Challenge Cup in Iran next month.
National team coach Josh Reyes revealed the news on Wednesday after the practice of the Gilas 5.0 team at the Meralco gym.
“He won’t be joining us,” said Reyes, who is handling the team in lieu of Tab Baldwin.
The former Ateneo star is currently playing in the Drew League, a prestigious Pro-Am tournament in the U.S.
His absence is another blow to Gilas, which will also miss the services of Bobby Ray Parks and injured big man JP Erram.
But Reyes remains positive, adding the team’s foremost goal is to give the young cagers the experience and exposure they need.
“I think its unfair to expect a lot from these kids. We are asking them to sacrifice and battle for us,” said Reyes
“Of course, all of us are going into the tournament with the intention to win, but at the same time, we know the most important thing is the experience and them learning to play at this level.”
Gilas is grouped with India and Chinese-Taipei in the tournament.
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