Ravena returns to hardcourt

Former Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Two-time UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena makes his highly-anticipated debut on the road for Alab Pilipinas when it clashes with Singapore Slingers on Sunday in Game 1 of the 2017 Asean Basketball League best-of-three semifinals at OCBC Arena in Singapore.

Having recovered from a hand injury that sidelined him the past month, the former Ateneo star will be shoring up Alab’s backcourt as the Filipinos try to upset the third seed Slingers, who finished the elimination round with a 13-7 record.

Alab coach Mac Cuan said Ravena’s entry to the lineup couldn’t have come at a better time for the Philippine-based team, which hosts Game 2 on Wednesday at Star Arena in Baliwag, Bulacan.

Cuan’s charges struggled in the middle part of the elimination round when Ray Parks was slowed down by a shoulder injury.

Parks still finished the season with 380 points, breaking the scoring record previously held by countryman Leo Avenido, who scored 312 points when he played for the San Miguel Beermen in 2012.

With Ravena around, Cuan said he expects his team to move the ball better with another option offensively.

“Kiefer can bring stability and be a consistent threat offensively as well,” said Cuan.

Ravena practiced with Alab twice early this week as he tried to stay focused on the task at hand following the controversy over his lewd photos that spread on social media. A former Ateneo student was arrested in an entrapment operation and chaged with robbery and extortion over the scandal.

“I’m staying focused with Alab,” said Ravena.”Our goal is to win a championship.”

Alab and Singapore split their four games in the elimination round but the Filipinos are looking to build on victories in the last two games.

“Expect us to come out aggressive from the start and establish our defense early,” said Cuan. “We’ve been through so much this season and all of those challenges and setbacks have only made the team stronger in time for the playoffs.”