Uichico: Ravena regularly training with Gilas not set in stone

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Jong Uichico welcomed newly minted two-time UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena in the national team’s Monday night practice, but said nothing is cast in stone as far as the Ateneo star’s status is concerned.

“Nag-training lang naman si Kiefer. Siyempre tapos na ang UAAP and he wants to keep in shape and he just wants to play with a higher level of competition,” Uichico told Philstar.com.

But the 53-year-old Uichico said he has no idea if the six-foot Ravena will join the once-a-week Gilas practice.

“Nakiusap lang naman si Kiefer kung pwede siya mag-practice but I don’t know if he’ll be there every Monday,” he added.

Nonetheless, the Talk ‘N Text bench tactician said Ravena can be a good warm body for Gilas’ pool, which is preparing for the Olympic Qualifying tournament scheduled in July next year.

Ravena, son of former PBA wingman Bong, averaged 18.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.2 steals a game in the UAAP Season 78 elimination round after helping the Blue Eagles reach the Final Four with their 9-5 record.

Ateneo’s championship aspirations though were dashed as Mac Belo scored on a game-winning putback to life Far Eastern University to a 76-74 win in their semifinal tussle, vaulting the Tamaraws back to the UAAP Finals.