Former Gilas Guard on Kiefer: "It's His Time to Lead"

Only six Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players are set to compete for a Gilas Pilipinas roster spot for the third window of the 2021 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup qualifiers that are going to be played at the Clark bubble next month. No Jayson Castro. No June Mar Fajardo. This Gilas Pilipinas squad will be loaded with Gilas cadets players who have yet to experience PBA basketball.

Fortunately, they will have someone who can bridge the past and the future: Kiefer Ravena.

For one former mainstay of the national team, the February window of the Asia Cup qualifiers will be the perfect time to step up as the new leader of Gilas Pilipinas. As LA Tenorio said on "The Game", "I'm excited to see Kiefer lead the national team. I think it's his time already to lead the national team," 

Tenorio, another product of the Ateneo basketball program, added, "Kiefer has the characteristic to be a leader,"

"Tinyente" who won the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum in the Philippine Cup last year, pointed that the absence of Jayson Castro and Gabe Norwood in the February window opens the door for the Phenom to showcase his skills as a floor general against Gilas' fiercest foes in the region.

"I think this is his big opportunity to lead this national team I'm excited to see Kief especially with the preparation going into the 2023 FIBA World Cup,"

Tenorio concluded, "I always talk to Kief that his responsibility will not be easy. All eyes on him this time," 

Photo is from the PBA