Cadet program up in the air as Ravena, Ferrer join Gilas practice

MANILA, Philippines -- A Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas top official admitted that reviving the Gilas cadet program is still “up in the air”, though the presence of college stars Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Ferrer in the national men’s pool’s Monday night practice is a “big help” due to their familiarity with coach Tab Baldwin’s system.

Ravena, Ateneo’s outgoing superstar, along with Ferrer of the University of Santo Tomas, were the two latest players to be invited to join Gilas Pilipinas’ once-a-week-practice at the Meralco gym.

“Kailangan pa pag-usapan (Gilas cadet program), that’s still up in the air, but sila Kiefer and Kevin, mga coaches nag-invite sa kanila kasi we need warm bodies in practice,” SBP deputy director for international affairs Butch Antonio told Philstar.com on Tuesday.

Antonio cited that Ravena and Ferrer are well-versed with Baldwin’s system, having played under the American-Kiwi coach this year where the national squad composed of college players ruled the basketball championships in the SEABA (South East Asia Basketball Association) and the Southeast Asian Games.

Both regional tournaments were held in Singapore.

“Nag-SEABA saka nag SEA Games na sila so they run coach Tab’s system and it’s easier for them (Ravena and Ferrer) to blend and practice with the men’s,” he added.

Ravena and Ferrer served as warm bodies for the 17-man Gilas men’s pool, which over the past weeks, has yet to practice with a complete roster due to various reasons.

National mainstay Ranidel de Ocampo of Talk ‘N Text is still recovering from a herniated disc, while Paul Lee of Rain or Shine has yet to play in the PBA this season due to a slight tear on his meniscus.

Other players from the San Miguel Corp.-backed teams like June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Marcio Lassiter and LA Tenorio have been on and off in Gilas’ weekly practice due to various reasons.

The Gilas squad began its weekly practice last November as part of its preparation for the Olympic qualifying tournament set in July 2016.