Top prospects mum on PBA Draft plans, keep options open

FILE – Gilas’ Kiefer Ravena drives against Singapore during their game in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games at MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

With the deadline of submission for the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft fast approaching, top prospects are still yet to decide on whether to make the jump to the pros.

Kiefer Ravena shared he’s still mulling his options as he keeps his eyes on the October 12 deadline set by the league for local-born aspirants.

“We’ll see. I still have other things I need to focus on so I’m not thinking about it that much,” he said.

Same is the case for bluechip amateurs like Jeron Teng and Raymar Jose, who will also see action for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas in the upcoming 2017 Fiba Asia Champions Cup.

“I’m not thinking of the PBA just yet. Right now, I’m just focused 100 percent on the task and that is to really play well for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas. I want to focus on that so I can play my game,” said Teng.

For now, Ravena said he’s keeping the door open for opportunities and prefers to represent the country and play in different international competitions.

“When you decide to play in the PBA, technically that’s it and your life will revolve around it. It’s gonna be hard for other options and opportunities like these to come in,” said Ravena, who is coming off a fourth gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur last month.

Ravena has been everywhere since playing his last UAAP game for Ateneo in 2015.

He suited up for Mighty Sports in the Merlion Cup and Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League, tried his luck with the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, represented the Philippines in the Fiba 3×3 events and SEA Games.

Ravena also said he doesn’t have any preference as to which PBA team he wants to play for.

“I don’t want the people to think that I’m just waiting for a group to pick me, that I’m not willing to play for any other team,” the 23-year-old guard said.

“I’m always ready. It’s going to be a challenge for me that whatever team picks me, I have to find a way how I can make an impact right away as a rookie.”

So far, only Fil-foreigners Christian Standhardinger, Jason Perkins, and Davon Potts are the big names who have declared for the draft.