Kiefer Ravena sees action for the first time since the end of his 18-month FIBA suspension as Gilas Pilipinas tries to complete a sweep of the Adelaide 36ers in the conclusion of their two-game exhibition series Sunday night at the Meralco Gym.
The 6 p.m. game will test if Ravena is ready to make it to the 12-man roster of Gilas for the FIBA World Cup which starts with the Group D opener against Italy on Saturday in Foshan, China.
Ravena was reinstated Saturday after completing the lengthy ban for testing positive for banned substances found in a pre-workout drink taken while playing for the Philippines in the World Cup Qualifiers.
He has spent the last two months practicing with the team in order to get himself in shape.
As far as game shape is concerned, Ravena believes he is about “80 percent” ready, needing just to take part in the tune-up game to see what needs to be done.
“All I have to do with the other 20 percent I guess is to play in a real game,” Ravena said. “Lahat naman kami kahit papaano nasa game shape, ako na lang yun nag-lalag behind dahil di ako pinapayagan maglaro.
“Yung isang tune-up game na makakalaro ako before the World Cup will do wonders for me na makita ko din kung pagpapalain na makalaro sa 31 makikita natin kung ready ba talaga ako or ano pa kailangan kong iimprove bago kami makalaro against Italy,” he added.
Coach Yeng Guiao sees no reason why Ravena won’t be able to adjust quickly with his teammates, as compared to the likes of June Mar Fajardo, Roger Pogoy and Troy Rosario who had to miss several weeks of training due to the PBA playoffs.
Gilas hopes to make improvements despite winning the first meeting, 92-83, Friday evening.
Turnovers were evident particularly in the second quarter against the 36ers’ pressure defense while also blowing an eight-point fourth quarter lead that enabled the visitors to take an 81-80 lead with over five minutes left.
But two Roger Pogoy triples off a pair of assists from Andray Blatche highlighted a 12-2 windup to seal the win for the Nationals. (JONAS TERRADO)
