MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors head coach Joseller Guiao admitted that the absence of Kiefer Ravena is a major setback for the team when the 2021 Philippine Basketball Cup resumes on Sept. 1, in Bacolor, Pampanga.
“It’s a big shoe to fill. There’s no need to bring somebody up from the reserve list as we anticipate Kiefer’s return,” Guiao told Arangkada NLEX on Wednesday.
“It will be an opportunity for the other players to step up, players like Don (Trollano), Jericho (Cruz), and even Calvin Oftana while Kiefer is not playing,” added the veteran bench tactician.
The 27-year-old Ravena was Road Warriors’ second-highest scorer after four games this season, averaging 15.75 points, 3.75 rebounds, 6.50 assists, 1.75 steals, and 0.50 blocks in 29.65 minutes of action.
The Iloilo City-born cager went to Japan on Wednesday morning to process his visa, immigration, and other requirements for his upcoming stint as reinforcement for Shiga Lakestars in B. League.
Guiao emphasized that he does not want to rely on the eventuality of Ravena returning for the Road Warriors because his quarantine period will consume the majority of his time, making his return nearly impossible.
“He will undergo 14 days quarantine in Japan, and when he comes back to the Philippines, he will spend another 10 days in quarantine, so that’s more than three weeks,” Guiao said.
“Probably the only way we can have him back to play for us this conference is during the semifinals if we make it that far,” the seventh-time PBA champion coach continued.
The original agreement between Ravena, the Road Warriors, and PBA stated that the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star should play the remainder of the Philippine Cup before joining the Shiga Lakestars.
Ravena was forced to go to Japan because the B. League set a deadline for all imports, according to a Road Warriors official recently./PN
