Kiefer Ravena on playing in a youth-laden Gilas Pilipinas squad: 'Nagiging bata ako'

As the lone PBA player to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Kiefer Ravena felt like he went back in time as he joined a youth-laden squad.

"Sarap, sarap kasama. Nagiging bata ako," Ravena said on Sunday as the nationals routed India, 79-63, to wrap up the first round of the qualifiers.

"Nakakatuwa kasi every time nagfi-fill up kami ng form, nakikita ko mga teammates ko born [in] 2000, '99, '98, may sumisingit na '93 doon.  I'm willing to learn from these young men."

("They nice to be around. I'm like a kid again. It's funny because every time we fill up a form, I see my teammates born in 2000, '99, '98, then a '93 slips in.")

Ravena is considered as the leader of the team, which was composed of young guns like Dwight Ramos, Will Navarro, Carl Tamayo, RJ Abarrientos and SJ Belange. And true enough, the 28-year-old Ravena showed up.

The former Ateneo guard finished with 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds as Gilas finished with an even 2-2 win-loss card in Group A. He got enough lift from Ramos who led all scorers with his 21 markers.

Ravena also underscored that the latest victory was pivotal especially after absorbing a 106-60 drubbing at the hands of powerhouse New Zealand three days ago.

"It feels good getting back to track. Obviously, we played two tune-up games against South Korea and I think we overachieved during those two games and we got overwhelmed and we got a big, big reality check against New Zealand," he said.

"It kept our feet on the ground, it kept us humble and at the same time, we learned our mistakes and where we want to be and at what level in the future and we kinda showed it here against India."

—MGP, GMA News