THIRDY GETS GILAS INVITE FOR ASIA CUP
Obviously still wanting to fill a void at the guard position for the Fiba Asia Cup slated next month in Indonesia, Gilas Pilipinas invited former Ateneo star Thirdy Ravena to join the national team pool when it resumes preparations later this month.
Program director and coach Tab Baldwin confirmed this on Tuesday, but said that Ravena would not have an outright slot in the final roster.
“I think everybody needs to understand that there’s nothing given here,” Baldwin said on Noli Eala’s Power and Play show. “Thirdy is invited to be part of the pool, he’s not invited to be on the 12man roster.”
Baldwin is hoping Ravena could join Gilas Pilipinas’ camp as it reenters the bubble at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna later this month.
Ravena has been seeing action in the Japan B.League as an Asian import for the San-en NeoPhoenix since last year.
The 24-year-old guard won’t be starting from scratch with Gilas due to his familiarity with the current program and Baldwin.
Ravena starred for the Philippine team during the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers in February last year. He also played for Baldwin at Ateneo where the two celebrated three UAAP titles.
Baldwin also said that even the 12 players who suited up for Gilas in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia earlier this month are not assured of spots.