Ferrer joins Gilas pool for Rio elims

MANILA, Philippines – Amateur Kevin Ferrer has been tapped to join the Gilas Pilipinas pool priming up for the 2016 Olympic world-qualifying tournament.

The 6-foot-4 gunner, who’s just completed his collegiate stint with the UST Tigers, made his first appearance in Gilas’ final practice for the year Monday night at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.

Joining the Gilas pool in their Monday’s program earlier is Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena.

“I’d say that we think it’s good for the young guys. And the young guys are good for the environment that we have here. They would put intensity and energy that we lack sometimes and obviously extra bodies that we’re also lacking. I think it’s positive all around,” said Gilas coach Tab Baldwin.

“They’re here at my behest. They’re helping us out. Obviously, that’s something good for them also. It makes good impression for the Gilas coaches for the future, whenever that future is going to be,” added Baldwin.

Both Ravena and Ferrer have served duty with the Gilas cadet team in the SEABA championship and in the Southeast Asian Games.

Ravena and Ferrer, along with TNT rookies Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario, were the key players of Team Phl that bagged the gold medal in the recent SEA Games in Singapore under Baldwin.

Having played out their final year of eligibility in the UAAP, Ravena and Ferrer are tipped to lead the hopefuls in the next PBA Rookie Draft.

In the meantime, the two UAAP stars sweat it out with the Gilas pool that is gearing up for a shot at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I feel so good. I just used to watch these idols of mine. Now I’m privileged to work out with them,” said Ferrer, who was warmly welcomed by the PBA stars.

“They’re all nice to me and very supportive. I’m sure I will learn a lot from them,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer promised to compete with his idols in practice.

Among the players he’ll fight it out in the same position are tested warriors Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Ryan Reyes, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Marcio Lassiter.