ALTHOUGH he is denying it, NLEX coach YengGuiao should be thinking about his team’s life without Kiefer Ravena.
“Ayaw ko munangisipin ‘yun. I think we just have to savor and enjoy Kiefer’s presence while he’s here and then sakananaminisipin kung papaano ‘yungpuwedenggawin when he leaves for Japan. Recently lang naman na-decide iyan,” said Guiao.
The multi-titled mentor spoke last Sunday, a day after it was announced that the PBA has given Ravena clearance to play for the Shiga Lakestars in the Japanese B. League after NLEX’s campaign in the 2021 Philippine Cup.
“I was hoping talagana mag-stay pa siya, peroalam naman natinna very rare opportunity ‘yun, so we understand that,” said Guiao. “But as of now we don’t want to think of life without Kiefer. We just want to enjoy his company; we just want to enjoy him being here and making a contribution to the team. Saka nanaminiisipiniyon.”
That’s understandable since Guiao and the Road Warriors are focused on at least making the playoffs of the season-opening tournament, a goal that got a welcome boost when they beat Terrafirma 108-94 also last Sunday to improve to a 2-1 slate.
Being the veteran tactician that he is, Guiao should also be mulling his options and he was inadvertently helped in arriving at some ideas in that game against the Dyip.
Saddled by foul trouble for majority of the game, Ravena saw action for only a little over 22 minutes, eight less than his usual on-court time. He ended up with five points on 1-of-8 shooting but had seven assists.
Kevin Alas led those who stepped up big time, notching seven of his team-high 21 points in the third quarter during a furious NLEX fightback before Jericho Cruz took over in the fourth period and insured the victory.
Guiao said it won’t just be Alas who will be taking a huge chunk of team responsibilities once Ravena leaves.
“As of now ang lakina ng responsibility ni Kevin. Team captain siya, dalawangpanalonamin Best Player (of the Game) siya. As it is ang lakina ng naitutulongniya, contribution niya,” said Guiao.
