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Kiefer Ravena possible cinch for Gilas Men's FIBA worlds squad says Guiao

Kiefer Ravena will return to Gilas practice on Monday night. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

BATANGAS CITY—Kiefer Ravena's much awaited return to basketball will likely take place right at the FIBA World Cup.

Gilas Pilipinas Men and NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao said on Sunday night that he is keen on putting the sophomore Road Warrior to the national team lineup for the FIBA worlds with Jayson Castro already begging off.

[Related Story: Castro parts ways with Gilas]

"As of now, he’s the most logical choice to fill up the slot of Jayson," Guiao said.

In fact, he added, "It’s almost a done deal doon sa slot ni Jayson."

Ravena was meted an 18-month ban in all competitions by FIBA for testing positive of substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Ravena, however, was cleared to take part in practices in the final two months of his sanction, making him eligible to join Gilas and NLEX in practice until his suspension ends by Aug. 24.

In fact, Ravena will be in Gilas' practice on Monday night at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.

On how Guiao will approach Ravena in practice, he said, "Slowly at first. Mahirap din biglain naman. He will just be doing what he feels he can do at the moment. We will not be pushing him that hard. When he gets into siguro close to his game shape, that’s the time that we will try to push him."

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno