Guiao not worried about Ravena despite long layoff

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—No longer suspended, Kiefer Ravena’s basketball career is officially back in full swing, starting Sunday with Gilas Pilipinas.

Ravena has been practicing with the team for two months but he can only join the squad in a regulation game on Sunday in the when the Nationals face Australian ball club Adelaide in the second of their two-game series on Sunday at Meralco Gym.

Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao said he expects nothing less from Ravena.

“Kiefer kept himself in good shape and he worked very hard for this,” said Guiao. “He’s mentally strong, he has a high basketball IQ and I think he’ll look for his spots in the first few minutes but he’ll get his game back.”

The end of Ravena’s suspension also meant he has a high chance of making Guiao’s final lineup that will represent the Philippines in the Fiba World Cup in China which tips off on August 31.

“A little bit of transition, a little bit of adjustment, and once he gets going he’ll be okay,” said Guiao.