KIEFER Ravena is open to training with Gilas Pilipinas if invited as he faces a long hiatus before next year's PBA rookie draft following Ateneo’s exit from UAAP Season 78 to mark the end of his collegiate career.
The two-time UAAP MVP said he is making himself available for a possible stint with Gilas Pilipinas, at least in training, as they prepare for next year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
“I have time naman. I’ll train with Gilas if they need my services. I’m free and since it’s the PBA season as well, they need more bodies in practice. I’ll be open to join,” said Ravena.
Ravena’s collegiate career ended with a disappointing loss to Far Eastern University on Mac Belo’s buzzer-beating follow-up that gave FEU a 76-74 win.
[See Sad farewell for Ravena as season of adversity ends in heartbreak for Ateneo]
Now that his UAAP career is over, Ravena is looking forward to joining the PBA draft, although he faces a long wait to make it official since the draft will not be held until August.
Ravena said training with Gilas will also help him prepare for the PBA.
“Pagdating sa PBA, ibang level of basketball ‘yun. I have to prepare myself,” said Ravena.
For now, Ravena, a member of the last two gold medal-winning Sinag teams in the Southeast Asian Games, said he is inclined to rest for awhile and doesn’t plan to join other leagues like the PBA D-League.
“Ngayon, pahinga muna kasi medyo masakit (the loss). Pero I’m thankful and honored to be part of this journey," said the Ateneo star. “I’ll just try to rest.
"It’s been a rough five years for us. Just take it a day at a time. Sa ngayon, hindi ko pa iniisip ‘yan (joining leagues),” added Ravena.
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