Kiefer Ravena has come 'full circle' after being named Gilas Pilipinas captain

Kiefer Ravena said he has come "full circle" after getting named as the team captain for Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

In Chino Trinidad's report for "24 Oras," the NLEX guard looked back to the time he was leading the Philippine youth teams and when FIBA suspended him due to a banned substance detected in his system.

"From being suspended 18 months now leading the future of Philippine basketball," Kiefer said. "It's no greater feeling and nagagawa ko 'yun nakasama ko pa 'yung kapatid ko."

Thirdy Ravena, Kiefer's younger brother, is also named to the final Gilas lineup for the first window of the Asian qualifiers.

Kiefer said he relied on his family when he was serving suspension, leaning on them for encouragement and support.

"Sila 'yung nagsasabi sila saken na nandyan lang 'yan manong kayang kaya mo 'yan," he said. "It helped me say on track whether may mga detours man, may mga harang pero never ako nawala dun sa gusto kong puntahan which is to play for the national team."

Kiefer said he hopes to lead by example as he transitions into one of the veteran players of the country.

"As a leader siguro importante din is isa ka dun sa pinakaunang sumusunod eh," he said. "Hindi mo na sila kailangan i-force to do something because of your influence. That's one way of being an effective leader, pag ginagaya ka na nila."

Gilas opens their FIBA Asia Cup campaign on Sunday against Indonesia. Their first game against Thailand was postponed due to concerns over coronavirus. —MGP, GMA News