Kiefer Ravena not questioning Tim Cone’s decision on SEA Games snub

MANILA, Philippines—Kiefer Ravena will miss his chance to become a five-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games this year after he was left off the all-PBA the lineup of coach Tim Cone.

The NLEX star, who has carried the Philippine flag and won gold in the past four SEA Games, will have to wait for a fifth chance a little bit longer.

Ravena, though, said he didn’t have any regrets or any ill feelings about his snub, saying he will still support the team no matter what.

“Regrets? None. That’s the national team and we can still support them in any way we can,” said Ravena in Filipino after the Road Warriors’ 105-99 win over Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup Frid at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We can really now focus on the PBA, those of us who were not chosen. We’ll continue supporting them in any way we can.”

Ravena, who captained the 2015 team in Singapore, holds the distinction as the only Filipino to win four SEA Games gold medals in basketball.

Ravena added that he has full trust in Cone and that doubting the team composition is a way of questioning the coach’s ability.

Cone is the PBA’s most successful coach with 21 titles–including two Grand Slams–under his name, just six behind the San Miguel franchise that holds 27 championships.

“For people to think twice or even question the lineup, it’s like saying they’re already questioning the greatness of coach Tim,” said Ravena. “He’s there for a reason and that reason is his capability of handling any team.”