Kiefer Ravena aims to give Coach Baldwin first medal in SEABA and SEA games

Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon for Sports Desk Online

By Christian Marquez, Sports Desk Online

College standout Kiefer Ravena will once again represent the country in the upcoming SEABA (Southeast Asian Basketball) and SEA Games.

The reigning UAAP MVP has set his sight on handing newly-appointed national team head coach Tab Baldwin his first taste of glory in the aforementioned tournaments.

"I'm hoping to give coach Tab his first gold medal as the head coach," Ravena told Sports Desk Online.

Having the opportunity to suit up for another international stint two years ago, the 21-year old superstar is eagerly anticipating on what's to come for the Gilas program.

"Very excited! New look and this will be the first peek of what's to come for the Gilas national team program."

The two-time SEA Games gold medalist underwent a rigorous process in trying out for a spot in the talent-laden squad.

Upon learning that he landed a much-coveted spot, the 6-foot guard bared that the feeling he got was distinctly different from the previous selections.

"Very honored of course. Siyempre from the fifty, na-include sa twenty five then nakapasok sa 16-man team, marami din akong pinagdaanan."

[Translation: "Very honored of course. Of course, from the fifty, I was included in the twenty five and the I entered the 16-man team. I went through a lot."]

"Especially with a talented pool like what we have. Every year different and surreal pa rin talaga yung feeling."

[Translation: "Especially with a talented pool like we have. Every year the feeling is different and surreal."]

The SEABA Championship is the qualifying phase to the FIBA Asia Championship in Hunan, China which in turn will serve as the regional qualifier to the Brazil Olympiad next year.

The 16-man Gilas cadet pool consists of the following: Baser Amer of San Beda, Mac Belo of FEU, Kevin Ferrer of UST, Jiovanni Jalalon of Arellano, Glenn Khobutin of NU, Ray-Ray Parks of Hapee Toothpaste, Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo, Prince Rivero, Jeron Teng, Arnold Van Opstal of La Salle, Roy Rosario of Hapee, Scottie Thompson of Hapee, Norbert Torres of Cebuana Lhuillier, and Almond Vosotros of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Garvo Lanete’s inclusion in the pool depends on his quick recovery from a recent injury.

The SEABA is slated April 27 to May 1 and the SEA Games is scheduled June 9 to 15, both in Singapore.