Gilas cadet aces go separate ways

KUALA LUMPUR – The Gilas cadet team broke camp after completing its SEA Games mission with most heading back to their respective mother teams.

Bobby Ray Parks has decided he’ll play one more season with Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League, Kobe Paras is in the process of redshirting in his transfer to Cal State Northridge while Christian Standhardinger has reportedly signed with the Hong Kong team in the ABL.

Uncertain is Gilas skipper Kiefer Ravena.

“I have options, but I will celebrate this SEA Games championship first. I will think about my options later,” said Ravena.

The former Ateneo Eagle standout in the UAAP, now the record holder with four SEA Games basketball gold medals under his belt, could well be a top PBA rookie prospect should he make himself available for the coming 2018 draft.

But apparently, Ravena also has  an offer to play with Alab Pilipinas.

He’s also waiting calls from the US where he would be trying his luck with an NBA D-League team – a feat no full-blooded Filipino has gotten through.

But he said he’s certain he’ll be ready to serve the country if called to play in the 2019 Manila SEA Games.

“It’s always a privilege to play for your country. It’s a privilege to play four SEA Games and win four SEA Games gold medals,” said Ravena, gold medal winner in the biennial meet in 2011 in Jakarta, 2013 in Naypyidaw, 2015 in Singapore and now here.

Parks, who has played in the NBA D-League with the Texas Legends, has decided to skip the coming PBA draft.

“I will play for Alab then join the PBA draft next year,” he said.

Standhardinger has also said joining the PBA is an option.

The synergy between Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Basketball Association allows the country to have a competitive national team program.