Kiefer Ravena is not affected by the constant bashing, as he vows to continue playing for the Gilas Pilipinas when his number is called.
According to the Shiga Lakes’ Asian import, he is treating the bashing as a sacrifice that comes with training and playing for the flag.
“The sacrifice for me is the easy part. Parang hindi ko naman ma-consider na sakripisyo ‘to. For me, playing for the flag is a privilege and a blessing,” Ravena said in an interview with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“Nandito ka sa ibang bansa. Natuto ka sa career mo, individually and as a team. Nakakapaglaro ka pa ng sport na mahal mo, suot mo pa ‘yung bansa mo. Sobrang blessed pa rin namin na nandito kami sa sitwasyon na ganito,” he added.
Ravena has been representing the Philippines in international basketball competitions since his early teens as part of the Milo Best team.
“If I’m not mistaken, 13 years old ako noon. It was the first time to really represent the country together with the Milo Best team. It was in Las Vegas, if I remember correctly,” Ravena said.
“It was always something that I will always treasure, na it opened the doors to how important to me the national team is, and how honored I am for it to be part of my career,” he added.
Since then, Ravena has donned the Gilas Pilipinas colors several times, including at the Southeast Asian Games, the FIBA Asia Cup, and the FIBA World Cup in 2019.
The Iloilo City-native guard is now hoping to make it to the 12-man roster of the Gilas Pilipinas team for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the Philippines.
“I’m just cherishing the moment. This is a story that I’ll gladly tell my kids and grandkids in the future that I was able to represent the country on our home soil,” said Ravena.
See Related Story Here:
