Alab nabs Ravena for the ABL homestretch

Alab hopes that a star-studded combo of Parks and Ravena will turn their fortunes around this March after signing the former back-to-back UAAP MVP. (file photo)
By Kevin Estrada

MANILA--In a major move that will send shockwaves the rest of the ASEAN Basketball League, Alab Pilipinas has nabbed college hoops legend Kiefer Ravena with the hope of improving the side's fortune after a topsy-turvy February that saw them have a losing record for the first time since this season.

With a 2-3 record that include losses to the Saigon Heat home and away and a split of the next two games with the Malaysia Dragons that have them stuck at third at 8-5, Ravena's addition would give them a huge boost to the team's firepower with the fact that Bobby Ray Parks is checked for most of the February stretch.

The former King Eagle of Ateneo De Manila was signed on Wednesday, but Alab head coach Mac Cuan says he will not be available right away in Saigon on Friday to face the Heat, although he might have his debut on Sunday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna against the Malaysia Dragons.

"Yes he just signed this afternoon but wont be able to play yet kasi injured pa," Cuan said in a text to Dugout Philippines, owing to the fact that he just came from UAE playing for Mighty Sports in their ill-fated Dubai Invitational campaign.

Ravena's insertion would mean a reunion with Gilas Cadets teammate and former 2-time UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks, who like him has tasted the NBA D-League experience before coming to the ABL.

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