For all the hype Kiefer Ravena generated for himself in his PBA debut, his new head coach may have just given more reasons to talk about the highly-touted rookie.
NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao compared his rookie to a couple of iconic guards that both made names for themselves in the league.
“I think he’s a combination of Paul Lee and Willie Miller,” said Guiao in Filipino of the two-time UAAP MVP Ravena. “He’s able to create his own shots, he’s able to find open teammates and that’s very good for the team because our style of play is really finding the open guys.”
“He’s smart enough to recognize that.”
Lee is a two-time champion and was named the 2012 Rookie of the Year while Miller won four titles and nabbed two MVPs in his 14-year career.
Ravena was instrumental in NLEX’s opening game victory over Kia in the PBA Philippine Cup, 119-115, Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre after putting up an 18-point, 12-assist, 6-rebound line.
Guiao displayed no doubt on the capabilities of Ravena who was picked second overall in the 2017 Draft.
“Kiefer played well for us, I had no doubt that he can make an impact and he can lead the team as a rookie, and that’s exactly what he did,” said Guiao. “He’s going to be a very special player in this league.”
“He’s exactly what the doctor ordered for us.”