Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 soaks in the appreciation from the Filipino fans after its campaign in the 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup. Photo by Fiba.com
After representing the Philippines in the 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup, Kiefer Ravena and Kobe Paras now embark on a new challenge as they are set to join the Gilas Pilipinas pool practices on Tuesday.
And for the two, nothing can compare to the privilege of being given the rare chance to don the national team colors.
“We’re very honored because we’re able to serve the country for 3×3 and we already have this chance for the Jones Cup,” said Ravena on Saturday in the Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 homecoming press conference.
READ: Jeron Teng wants to join Gilas pool
Paras added: “It feels good that coach Chot (Reyes) called us. It’s not everyday that we get a chance to be included in the Gilas pool, so we’re looking at this as our chance to help the country.”
Both Ravena and Paras are also hopeful to bring in another 3×3 teammate in the squad with Jeron Teng declaring his intentions to join the pool.
“We already represented the country with Jeron, so we know how committed he is,” Ravena said. “Once you’re representing the country, whether is in the youth team or the seniors stage, the commitment doesn’t change. and we know that’s the case with Jeron.”
READ: Kobe Paras stars for PH in Day 2 of Fiba 3×3 World Cup
The 19-year-old Paras echoed the former King Eagle’s sentiment, saying that he knows how bad his roommate in France wants play again for the country.
“We know what we’re doing is not for ourselves but for the nation. We need Jeron’s game in Gilas,” he said.
Ravena is also optimistic that the international experience they gained with Chooks-Pilipinas 3×3 can be brought to the national team once they join the pool next week.
“Hopefully, we can bring that experience and the adjustment won’t be hard for both of us. We just need to learn the system because in a span of three weeks, it’s already Jones Cup,” he said. “We want to represent the country again and we know we have to work for that spot. Hopefully, it brings the best out of each other to prepare well.”