Former Gilas Pilipinas guard Kiefer Ravena. Photo from FIBA Basketball.MANILA — Veteran playmaker Kiefer Ravena's time with Gilas Pilipinas has come to an end.
The former national team point guard shared with ABS-CBN News on Monday that he has retired from national team duties as he reflected on a Gilas career that saw him rise from the youth ranks in 2009 to eventually suit up for the senior’s squad.
"I'm done with my career with the National team. It has been fun," said Ravena, who was in attendance at Alex Eala's "Play Mind Games" exclusive meet-and-greet at Nike Fort in Taguig on Monday.
The Ateneo de Manila University legend's last stint with Gilas came during the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, where he averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 assists in five games.
The two-time UAAP MVP also won five Southeast Asian Games gold medals from 2011 to 2019, on top of capturing SEABA gold medals at both the Under-18 and senior levels.
But with Gilas entering a new era following the 2023 World Cup, with Tim Cone succeeding Chot Reyes as head coach, Ravena has no longer been part of the national team's roster or even its pool.
However, despite recent calls for his return, with some fans believing Gilas still needs a veteran presence in the backcourt, Ravena stressed that the time has already passed for that.
"A lot of people said na hindi pa kailangan, pero nag-retire na nga," he emphasized before sharing his thoughts on the program's current direction, which features a blend of young stars and some of his former Gilas teammates.
"That's the direction that they are going, so for me, there's no problem with that," said the 32-year-old Ravena.
The former NLEX Road Warriors guard also added there was no need to formally communicate his decision to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) or to the national team itself.
"I don't think I have to do that," he said. "I don't think I have to tell anybody at this point of my career, where I am."
For Ravena, he has already done everything he wanted to do with the national team and is now focused on continuing his professional career in the Japan B.LEAGUE with the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
"I'm very happy that I was able to have that opportunity," said Ravena, who last represented the Philippines with Strong Group Athletics in the 2025 William Jones Cup.
READ: Whether with SGA or Gilas, Kiefer takes pride in representing PH
"I'm just in full support for the National team and the next generation of athletes who will represent the Philippines," he added. "It's not that I wasn't able to represent the country in my career. I've done it in the past. Walang kulang, no regrets, and just full love."
"Pro career, and pro family."
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