THE shocking gold medal bust in the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) probably struck Kiefer Ravena, the longest-tenured and winningest among the Gilas Pilipinas mainstays, the hardest.
Five-time winner prior to the Vietnam edition, Mr. Ravena would have loved to end his SEAG tour of duty on a triumphant note but now has to endure and get over arguably the most painful of defeats.
“That’s it for me!” Mr. Ravena, who first competed in the SEA Games in 2011 as an 18-year-old college star, posted on Instagram after the unexpected fall of mighty Gilas to first-time champion Indonesia.
“Hanging these bad boys up for my last SEA Games. It’s been my absolute pleasure playing for the Philippines.”
In retrospect, “The Phenom” said it was a great ride overall for him in the biennial meet. After the gold in Jakarta, Mr. Ravena reaped more success with the Sinag-Gilas crews in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 as powerhouse Philippines extended its championship run to 13 consecutive SEA Games.
“Thank you, SEA Games for the competition, relationship and memories,” he said. “Thirteen straight is tough to beat and I’m so proud of my team. Sorry, we fell short (in Vietnam).”
Gilas Pilipinas has to regroup quickly with the next competition, the third window of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA)World Cup Asian Qualifiers, set on June 30 and July 3 against New Zealand and India, respectively. The squad is reportedly arranging a pair of tune-up matches with South Korea next month before going back to battle.
The redemption tour will reach fever pitch with the FIBA Asia Cup in July as the National play right on the turf of their conqueror Indonesia.
As for Mr. Ravena, it’s back to NLEX after his stint in the Japan B. League. He attended mass with the Road Warriors on Tuesday.