Cone convinced Ravena is right man to take place of Castro in SEAG pool

Kiefer Ravena will make an impact for Gilas Pilipinas after he made it to the pool of the Southeast Asian Games in place of Jayson Castro.

Ravena appeared in Monday’s tune-up game versus Alab Pilipinas as a spectator and was present during Thursday’s practice where he joined the team in practice for the first time.

Cone said the coaching staff were immediately convinced that Ravena is the right man to take over the roster spot of Castro. But Cone said the spot in the final 12 for Ravena remains not sure.

“It’s an extra body. It’s an extra talent. We are going to miss Jayson terribly but Kiefer has some of that Jayson ability in him. We lose experience of Jayson but Kiefer has that rare maturity that lands himself to be able to play with a bunch of vets and still be a leader,” said Cone.

“We considered some other players but it really just kept coming to Kiefer. We asked him and he said yes so we are happy to have him,” said Cone.

“Whether he makes it to the final 12, that’s another question,” said Cone.

PHOTO: PBA Images