Gilas draws much-needed spark from youthful Ravena

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Kiefer Ravena is the youngest player in Gilas Pilipinas and he showed that youthful energy kn sparking the Filipinos’ win over Japan in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Gilas was down, 20-4, midway through the first quarter when Ravena singlehandedly started a revolution against Japan.

And the rally began with a 3-pointer by Ravena, three simple points that became the foundation to a massive 37-6 run that gave Gilas a 41-26 lead at the 4:58 mark of the second quarter.

The 24-year-old PBA rookie said spending time with his older, and better, teammates allowed him to perform under the bright lights of Fiba.

“In terms of preparing for the big stage, I think it was a big thing that every day you get to spend time with the best players here in the Philippines,” said Ravena in Filipino after their 89-84 win Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Ravena finished with 13 points, eight coming in the first quarter, a period that the Philippines ended with a 22-21 lead, with five assists and two steals.

He was also given the task to be part of the closeout crew with Jayson Castro, June Mar Fajardo, Andray Blatche, and Gabe Norwwod.

“I guess the preparation is just a matter of playing together, trusting the system, and trusting yourself as well, so all of us can step up in the big stage,” said Ravena. “The trust your coaches and your teammates give you is a big help.”