IF ever, it could be the most memorable Southeast Asian Games gold for Kiefer Ravena.
The NLEX guard relishes another chance at a shot of extending his winning streak in the biennial meet after being selected as part of the 12-man roster out to defend the basketball gold right in front of the basketball-loving Filipinos.
That alone serves as a huge motivation for the 26-year-old guard, who was part of the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 gold medal winning teams.
“Thankful and honored siyempre to play for the home crowd,” he said in a curt reply to SPIN.ph on Saturday.
Ravena goes down as one of the most successful Filipino athletes in terms of gold medals won in the SEA Games, but could be the most accomplished one as far as basketball is concerned.
He almost missed a shot at history — veteran playmaker Jayson Castro's injury paved the way for his last-minute inclusion in the Gilas training pool.
Ravena said it is also a chance for him to play for champion coach Tim Cone and the other top pros for the very first time.
“I’m just excited to learn from coach Tim and the other guys,” he said.
Aside from Ravena, also part of the Gilas roster as announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, were LA Tenorio, Stanley Pringle, Chris Ross, Roger Pogoy, Marcio Lassiter, Matthew Wright, Troy Rosario, Vic Manuel, Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar and June Mar Fajardo.
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