KIEFER Ravena is exactly what the doctor ordered for Alab Pilipinas, according to head coach Mac Cuan.
Alab Pilipinas pulled off a big coup on Wednesday when it came to terms with Ravena, who will play for the Asean Basketball League (ABL) side after his stint with the developmental team of the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League.
Cuan was naturally happy with the signing, especially since Ravena will be coming in at a crucial stretch where Alab Pilipinas is looking to improve on its current standing of third place entering the playoffs.
“Anytime you add a Kiefer Ravena to your team, you should be really happy,” said Cuan. "It will be a big help."
[See Ravena takes his act to ABL by suiting up for Alab Pilipinas]
Ravena was signed by Alab before the Monday deadline set by the league and is eligible to play for the Philippine squad beginning Friday against the Saigon Heat, but team officials said they will wait for Ravena’s injured hand to heal before he is activated.
Ravena is no longer a stranger to Southeast Asian basketball, having played for the Philippine team in the Southeast Asian Games and the Seaba Championship numerous times in the past years.
Cuan said Ravena’s entry brings an added offensive threat to an Alab squad that relied heavily on Bobby Ray Parks Jr. on offense in the past few games.
Alab needs all the help it can get with Parks currently recovering from shoulder and ankle injuries.
“It helps us because it gives us another playmaker and will help Ray because the defense won’t just be able to focus on him,” Cuan said.
Cuan also said Ravena brings in championship experience, having played for Ateneo in the UAAP and the Gilas cadets that saw action in regional competitions.
“He is also a proven winner,” Cuan said.