MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - The Philippines have been assured of a second round berth, but rising star Kiefer Ravena is not one to look past their next two games.

"We're in the second round already, but we still have one more window," he said after their nail-biter of a win over Japan. "We will rest first and focus on the next games."

Ravena is considered one of the top young players in the Philippines, and he showed why in their escape act against Japan a few days ago. The 6ft 0in (1.82m) point guard provided his squad with a much-needed lift off the bench against the Akatsuki Five, scoring 13 points overall, getting 2 steals and most importantly, handing out 5 assists. Ravena looks back at that contest with a tinge of relief, knowing full well they nearly squandered their advantage, and he gives credit to Gilas Pilipinas's legion of fans for giving them that extra push.

"It was a very tough game, especially against a high caliber team like Japan," he said. "They play a very good system. We were fortunate to have the home crowd, and they helped us get the victory."

His solid production and lofty billing notwithstanding, Ravena is still not the national team's de facto go-to floor general. That spot still belongs to Jayson Castro, and many will argue that next in line is the flamboyant Terrence Romeo, who promised to rejoin the team in the next window. Still, Ravena doesn't mind playing behind the veterans, especially since he knows the Philippines' talent pool at his position is quite deep. He just knows that he has to be ready whenever coach Chot Reyes calls his number.

"I just do my role and whatever I can to help the team win," he shared. "I provide energy and spark off the bench. We have very good players on our team, so no matter how much time I'm given, I have to give it my best."

"WE'RE IN THE SECOND ROUND ALREADY, BUT WE STILL HAVE ONE  MORE WINDOW. WE WILL REST FIRST AND FOCUS ON THE NEXT GAME."Kiefer RavenaKiefer Ravena

Up next for the Filipinos are rematches with dangerous Chinese Taipei on the road on 29 June and a much-anticipated hosting of unbeaten Australia on 2 July at the gigantic Philippine Arena. Not surprisingly, the 24-year-old Ravena is looking forward to both fixtures with eagerness. He knows his team is moving closer to earning slots in next year's FIBA Basketball World Cup, and doing so would be a dream come true for the man dubbed "The Phenom."

"I'm very excited for the next round," he said. "Hopefully, we can qualify, and I get to play in my first FIBA Basketball World Cup next year."

FIBA