Kiefer Ravena returned to Manila on Sunday and immediately attended the Monday workout to reaffirm his commitment to Gilas Pilipinas in the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
In fact, Ravena was the earliest to arrive among the four Gilas stalwarts who took a break from their Japan B. League stints.
The three other players — younger brother Thirdy, Dwight Ramos and Ray Parks — are scheduled to arrive late Monday evening after wrapping up their games in the B. League.
"Our games were Friday and Saturday while their last two games were Saturday and Sunday, that's why I was the earliest to come," Ravena told Daily Tribune in an exclusive interview.
Ravena is excited to rejoin and play for the national squad again after missing the previous window after undergoing an operation on his impacted tooth.
His brother, Thirdy, also didn't see action due to a knee contusion.
Gilas Pilipinas will play home games against Lebanon and Jordan, respectively to be held at the Philippine Arena.
The Philippines will take on Lebanon 24 February in their much-awaited rematch since the Lebanese dealt the Filipinos — then bannered by National Basketball Association star Jordan Clarkson and Australian National Basketball League center Kai Sotto — an 85-81 setback August last year during the fourth window.
Gilas will take on Jordan, a team it has beaten in the fifth window, on 27 February.