The Gilas boys have each other’s backs.
Kiefer Ravena who currently plays professionally in the Japan B. League for the Shiga Lakes practiced with Gilas Pilipinas on Monday. He is one of several overseas players included in the 24-man pool preparing for the February window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Amid his busy schedule, Ravena found time to fulfill his duty as a member of the national team.
And there wasn’t a doubt in his mind about how to approach the lead-up to the upcoming games.
“Next man up mentality lang. Everybody who’s been here, just be ready in any way possible. I know my brothers are also busy because with the ongoing PBA but everybody has to make their sacrifices. Tulong-tulong lang, 'yun lang naman importante sa mga nagpa-practice,” Ravena said.
It was nice to hear a Gilas veteran express such unwavering commitment. But the entire team will need that kind of mindset especially now that Kai Sotto and Japeth Aguilar won’t be available when the Filipinos take on Lebanon and Jordan on the 24th and 27th of February, respectively.
Even Gilas coach Chot Reyes sounds a little bit worried that his top two rim protectors are out of commission.
“Our big concern really now is trying to figure out how to compensate for the lack of our top two rim defenders, si Japeth [Aguilar] and si Kai [Sotto],” Reyes told One Sports.
“Japeth is injured and Kai has already said categorically that he’s opting out of this window… so we really have to plan around that. And like I said, that’s a big blow to our team,” he added.
Manong Kiefer hit the nail on the head when he mentioned the need to have a “next man up” mentality. Gilas isn’t exactly where they want to be right now but there are other big men in the pool who could step up in the absence of Sotto and Aguilar. Maybe it’s Mason Amos or Kevin Quiambao. Maybe it’s June Mar Fajardo or Raymond Almazan. But just like what Ravena said, the important thing is to help each other out.