By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena is set for another FIBA Basketball World Cup stint after being chosen as one of the Gilas Pilipinas players for the 2023 edition of the tournament beginning this Friday, August 25.
The Shiga Lakes’ Asian Quota Player is one of the 12 players named by head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes as he plays back up to naturalized player, Utah Jazz point guard Jordan Clarkson.
Also on the final roster are Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings’ Earl Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Jamie Malonzo, San Miguel Beermen’s June Mar Fajardo and Jaymar Perez, and TNT Tropang Giga’s Roger Pogoy.
Completing the pool are Ravena’s fellow Japan B.League imports Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto and AJ Edu, as well as Rhenz Abando, who is playing as a reinforcement in the Korean Basketball League.
Chris Newsome became the last cut from the national men’s basketball team as he joined Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III, Calvin Oftana and Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. as the four deletions from the national men’s basketball team’s 16-player training camp pool.
Newsome played a key role as Gilas Pilipinas’ point guard during the recent Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, but his role has diminished with the return of Thompson from injury.
Reyes said in a recent interview with CNN Philippines Sports Desk that, in choosing his final 12 players, he opted for those who would fit into his system, to his teammates and to the physicality of the matches.
“First of all, they have to have fitness, in terms of physical fitness. But they have to fit the style of play that we want to play,” Reyes said.
“Finally, they have to fit each other’s games, playing styles,” he said.
“We are looking for fitness more than anything else, because we feel that is what is going to give us the best chance to pull off a couple of victories,” the long-time national team coach added.
Gilas Pilipinas will open their group stage campaign on Friday against the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan before shifting to Smart Araneta Coliseum to face Angola on August 25, and Italy on August 27./ASC, WDJ