Gilas Pilipinas’ Kiefer Ravena reacts throughout a recreation in opposition to the Dominican Repubic within the Fiba World Cup. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines-Although wanting clearly dejected, Gilas Pilipinas playmaker Kiefer Ravena nonetheless discovered a silver lining inside the Philippines’ shedding stand in opposition to the Dominican Republic on the 2023 Fiba World Cup’s opening evening on Friday.
“This can be a promising begin [compared] to the final World Cup begin that we had,” Ravena stated as he spared a number of seconds with a pair of reporters following the 87-81 defeat on the Philippine Area in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“Hopefully, it will get higher from this, sure?” he went on.
Ravena was a member of the 2019 World Cup squad that competed in Foshan, China. That crew, then coached by Yeng Guiao, dropped all of its matches and fell lifeless final at thirty second place.
That version of the Nationals discovered themselves on the nasty finish of a 108-62 blowout by the hands of the Italians, after which once more in a 126-67 whipping by the Serbians.
Gilas Pilipinas huddles throughout a recreation in opposition to the Dominican Republic within the Fiba World Cup. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
The gallant effort versus the Dominicans that evening even noticed Gilas take leads, albeit for a short time. And stacked in opposition to these first two video games in China, the Philippines is off to an honest begin this trip.
Gilas and Ravena can really make issues higher on Sunday ought to they win over the No. 41-ranked Angolans, which additionally put up a commendable outing in opposition to the No. 10 Italians earlier than crumpling late in Friday’s opening match.
“It’s simply unlucky that (Jordan Clarkson) fouled out,” stated Ravena who completed with two factors, two assists, and a steal whereas additionally offering the hustle performs that helped preserve Gilas within the recreation when the Dominicans tried to interrupt away early.
“(JC’s presence) may’ve helped us within the endgame,” he added. “However then once more, hopefully, it will get higher from this.”
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