Kiefer Ravena to join Gilas practice next week

MANILA, Philippines— Kiefer Ravena will make his official return to the Philippine national basketball team on Monday, when he joins Gilas Pilipinas practice at Meralco Gym in Pasig.

Ravena is making a highly anticipated comeback after serving an 18-month suspension, after he tested positive for banned substances by WADA.

Gilas coach Yeng Guiao, who is also Ravena's coach at NLEX, confirmed on Thursday night that the "Phenom" will practice with the national team even before he returns to his mother club.

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" 'Yung Monday kasi, because we're playing on a Sunday, 'yung Monday hindi muna kami magpapractice kasi galing kami ng Batangas ng gabi, so Tuesday na kami magpa-practice," said Guiao, whose team will take on

Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday.

"That's the time we're expecting Kiefer to practice with NLEX. But I expect him to practice with Gilas in the evening."

Ravena will have served the full length of his suspension by the time the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup starts on August 30, so Guiao says he sees no problem with including the former Ateneo star in the pool.

"By that time he's going to be eligible, maghahabol na lang siya sa conditioning niya," said the coach.

Guiao said he does not expect Ravena to come in peak basketball shape, but is confident that the star guard is "taking care of himself."

"He's not in full basketball shape, but he's in decent shape. Hindi naman siya nagpabaya ng katawan. Nagpunta ng US to train on his own," he said.

Much will be expected from Ravena, especially if the national team stands to lose veteran guard Jayson Castro.

Castro has been contemplating not joining Gilas for the World Cup, and Guiao said Thursday that there is little chance that Castro will be included in the pool.

Gilas veteran Gabe Norwood said of Ravena's impending return: "I'm excited to have him back here on the court with us, and really see how he steps into that role of leadership and really running the show." ABS-CBN News