FIBA U16 Asian Championship lets you face best of best in region, Ravena recalls

MANILA (FIBA U16 Asian Championship) - Kiefer Ravena fondly looks back on his first appearance for the Philippines from 2009 and says the FIBA U16 Asian Championship is a great experience for young players.

Ravena scored 17.6 points per game in 2009 when Philippines ended up finishing fourth in the first cadet continental championship in Malaysia.

"My U16 experience in Malaysia was quite memorable. It was my first taste of FIBA competition," Ravena said. "Being in the youth team is a great experience because you play with your age group. There is no age gap or difference. It's when you grow together as a team so that in the future when time comes, you'll be able to develop the men's team for your nation as well."

The 24-year-old guard said the competition against the top players from a youngster's similar age is great to see how your game compares.

"It's very important for the young guys to experience this because it is high level basketball for that age group. You'll be facing the best of the best in your region," he said.

"My U16 experience in Malaysia was quite memorable. It was my first taste of FIBA competition. Being in the youth team is a great experience because you play with your age group. There is no age gap or difference. It's when you grow together as a team so that in the future when time comes, you’ll be able to develop the men’s team for your nation as well."Kiefer RavenaKiefer Ravena

One of the highlights of Ravena's experience was facing Guo Ailun of China.

"I actually beat him for the best guard in Asia during that time," said Ravena, who scored 17 points to Guo's 11 points in China's 85-66 victory over Philippines. "I already knew he was going to lead the men's team in the future. He's a hard worker and a very good basketball player. Hopefully I get to play against him again."

Ravena might get that chance in the coming years as he made his senior national team debut in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers, averaging 7.3 points, 3.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 17 minutes through the first two windows.

Ravena urged any young player who has the chance to play at the FIBA U16 Asian Championship to jump at the opportunity.

"The sooner they can cherish and embrace the pride and glory of playing for your country, the better it is for their careers because that moment when you get called up to play for the national team it gives you a different perspective when it comes to playing the sport that we all love," Ravena said.

Ravena, who plays for NLEX Road Warriors, said he will be anxiously watching the fifth edition in Foshan, China because of Kai Sotto, who is already considered one of the biggest hopefuls in Philippines basketball.

"The sky is the limit for that kid," Ravena said of Sotto, who will not turn 16 until May. "Hopefully he just keeps himself healthy and just continues to work hard. In the future, he will be the pillar of Philippines basketball."

FIBA