Ravena Bros to lead Gilas for FIBA Asia Cup as Ray Parks, Poy Erram make return

Kiefer Ravena will once again spearhead Gilas. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Gil Moriones

MANILA - The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas released the 12-man Gilas Pilipinas that will compete in the FIBA Asia Cup from July 12-24 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

In an official announcement on Saturday, Kiefer Ravena will lead the national quintet alongside Dwight Ramos and Carl Tamayo, who played impressively in their last stints versus India and New Zealand during the recently concluded FIBA World Cup Qualifiers third window.

Kiefer's younger brother Thirdy has been called up too to Gilas, marking his return to the national team after not joining them for the FIBA WCQ third window and the Southeast Asian Games.

New KBL Asian imports SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, and Will Navarro were tapped too following their good performances in the Asian Qualifiers. 

Francis Lopez, Geo Chiu, and Kevin Quiambao will boost the national quintet's frontcourt position. 

The SBP also announced the return of Bobby Ray Parks and Poy Erram to the national duty.

The Nagoya Diamond Dolphins guard averaged 10.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in his last season playing at the B. League. His last tour of national duty was during the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. 

Meanwhile, Erram collected an average of 11.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks as center for the TNT Tropang Giga in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.

Reyes and Erram will quickly fly to Jakarta on Monday, a day after TNT plays its last game in the elimination round against Ginebra.

Gilas will face India and New Zealand again as they are all part of Group D along with Lebanon.

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