MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Philippines rising star Kiefer Ravena and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas are confident that they are ready to get the job done against Japan at the Asian Qualifiers.

The game against Japan will be Ravena's first foray at the Asian senior level for Gilas Pilipinas, and already Filipino fans expect him to be among the team's top scoring options. Needless to say, the 24-year-old relishes in this chance to finally represent the Philippines at the highest level in Asian hoops.

"I feel very honored to be part of this team," he said. "It's not so often you get a chance to be part of the national team."

He and the rest of his teammates are currently in Tokyo, Japan, training hard in the final stage of their preparations against the Akatsuki Five. Ravena is aware that the Komazawa Gymnasium has been sold out for weeks, and he expects the venue to be filled by the thunderous cheers of Japanese fans.

"It will be very loud as we are told that we are playing in a relatively small coliseum," he explained. "At the same time, Japan will come out with a lot of energy and will give their best in front of their fans."

Nevertheless, Ravena, who is called "The Phenom" back in Manila, feels that he and his team are ready for the challenge ahead, owing to their collective experience. He believes that as long as Gilas play true to form, they will be in good shape to come out triumphant.

"I'm very confident coming into our games against Japan and even against Chinese Taipei," he said. "We have faced them before, and we know we can beat them as long as we play within the system and play together."

Along with Ravena, veterans like Jayson Castro, June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood and, of course, naturalized big man Andray Blatche are expected to play big roles for the Philippines.

After the Japan game, Gilas Pilipinas return home to Manila to host rivals Chinese Taipei at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

FIBA