MANILA, Philippines—Kiefer Ravena, who is exactly two weeks away from his basketball comeback, is currently with Gilas Pilipinas in Spain for training camp as he serves the remaining days of his Fiba-imposed ban.
READ: Still in Fiba freezer, Kiefer Ravena vows to help Gilas any way he can
In the meantime, he’s using his idle time live-tweeting and updating Gilas supporters as the team competes in the Torneo de Malaga, a pocket tournament in Malaga, Spain.
25 minutes til Tip-Off 🇵🇭
Now Warming up for Gilas @drayblatche @chasing_89 @BabesBolick #PaulLee#BeauBelga@japethaguilar35 @Mr_Wright_ #MarkBarroca@jaymar_perez
Not playing today @GNorwood5 – Old age@kieferravena – Suspended pa din pic.twitter.com/OBYWaOivRX
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) August 9, 2019
Starting 5 for tonight’s Game
Babes Bigote Bolick
Mark Coffee Prince Barroca
Matthew Mister Wright
Japeth Kung Di rin lang Ikaw Aguilar
Kuya Dray Blatche
🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭#GilasVsRDC
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) August 9, 2019
Unfortunately for Gilas, the Filipinos dropped their first game in an 82-71 loss to Congo.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas fails to repeat over Congo in Spain pocket tournament
Ravena, however, believes the loss will serve as a lesson for the team moving forward with the Fiba World Cup fast approaching.
Final score. Way to grind it out with 9 guys fellas! Chin up! Win or Learn! Never a failure. Part of our journey! pic.twitter.com/PvyO0EEidi
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) August 9, 2019
The 25-year-old guard also managed to sneak in a selfie with Spanish star and Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol.
Fresh of an NBA Championship @MarcGasol pic.twitter.com/CcYL2bjqyC
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) August 9, 2019
Ravena, whose grueling 18-month suspension ends on August 24, makes his return against Italy on August 31 in Gilas’ opening game in the Fiba World Cup.