Ravena spends times with Philippines' big boys

MANILA (2016 Rio Olympics) - Kiefer Ravena is one of the top young players in the Philippines, something he has shown while competing in college basketball for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP and internationally with the Gilas Cadets.

After putting an exclamation mark on his collegiate career by claiming a second consecutive UAAP MVP honor, Ravena is now knocking on the door of the senior men's national team. He was recently invited to train with the squad, which is holding workouts every Monday in the buildup to next year's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs).

Tab Baldwin, who coached Ravena at this year's SEABA Games, asked him if he'd like to take part. The 22-year-old played down the significance of the invitation, telling Philippines media that he is "an extra body."

I want to work out with high-level competition. This is the cream of the crop already. I just want to experience that and hopefully it's something in the future I can be part of. - Ravena

While working out with Gilas, Ravena had one eye on something else. He was using it as a warm-up for Friday's FIBA 3x3 All Stars in Doha, Qatar.

Ravena will feature alongside Olaide Adeogun (San Beda), Bright Osakie Akhuetie (Perpetual) and Jeron Teng (La Salle) in an exhibition game against Team Qatar.

As for the five-on-five game, the 1.85m guard is hopeful of putting on a Gilas Pilipinas shirt in the not-too-distant future and joining a national team that finished runners-up at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship. The squad is loaded with talent but bringing young players into national team set-ups is always important for coaches and federations.

The FIBA 3x3 experience, and the national team workouts, should also serve to enhance his credentials.

Baldwin, meanwhile, was recently been given another job that he can do while also serving as Gilas coach. Ravena's former team, Ateneo, has hired the American as their coach.

FIBA