MANILA – Ilonggo guard Kiefer Ravena is likely to make the Gilas Pilipinas 12-man roster for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will begin this Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
According to a report by Spin.ph’s Homer Sayson, the Iloilo City native has an “excellent chance” of making it to the final 12 to serve as the national men’s basketball team’s backup point guard.
Ravena, who currently plays as Asian Quota Player for the Shiga Lakes in Japan B.League, has a decent showing in Gilas’ friendly matches against Iran and Senegal in China earlier this month.
The former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star, however, was limited during their three friendly games against Ivory Coast, Montenegro and Mexico with Earl Scottie Thompson back from injury.
Unlike Kiefer, his younger brother Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III has been ruled out from the final lineup after not being given minutes by head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes in their friendlies.
Also reportedly out of consideration for the final lineup is Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who has not joined the Gilas training the past few days, while TNT Tropang Giga forward Calvin Oftana is also likely out.
Meanwhile, among those who are reportedly sure for the final lineup are Utah Jazz point guard Jordan Clarkson as well as Japan B.League players Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos and center AJ Edu.
Others who are reportedly shoo-in for the World Cup are Thompson and his Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings teammates Japeth Aguilar and Jamie Malonzo and San Miguel Beermen’s June Mar Fajardo.
Fighting for the last four spots in the Gilas team are Kiefer, Korean Basketball League import Rhenz Abando, Tropang Giga’s Roger Pogoy, Beermen’s Jaymar Perez and Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome.
Reyes is scheduled to release his final roster tonight, two days before the national men’s basketball team open their group stage campaign against Dominican Republic, which is led by NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns and Lester Quinones./PN
