Yeng Guiao, NLEX preparing to 'fight it out' without Kiefer Ravena

NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao and the rest of the Road Warriors are marching back to the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup without one of their main weapons—Kiefer Ravena.

The 6-foot reliable guard flew to Japan last August 25 to process documents that would pave the way for him to see action in the prestigious Japan B.League as an import under the Asian Player Quota rule.

Road Warriors team manager Ronald Dulatre, though, clarified that Ravena would fly back to the Philippines to finish the Road Warriors' campaign in the stalled All-Filipino conference, which was the agreement to begin with.

But with strict quarantine rules in place, Guiao stressed they are not expecting Ravena to be back soon and that even if they are able to go far in the conference, it would still be unlikely that the second-generation baller could make it in time.

"The problem with his (Kiefer) situation, he's still in the quarantine now and I think that's 14 days. And he will undergo another quarantine here so that's 24 days in total of quarantine alone," Guiao said in a mix of Filipino and English in an interview with GMA News Online.

"To be realistic, we are preparing to fight it out without Kiefer. If he comes back, like what I've said before, that's just a bonus."

Ravena was a key cog in NLEX's current 2-2 win-loss record, which places them at sixth spot in the team standings as of August 31.

The son of Talk 'N Text assistant coach Bong Ravena is leading his squad in minutes played with an average of 29.7 minutes on the court for four games he suited up in.

In terms of scoring, Ravena is coming in second as he posted norms of 15.8 points per outing while Kevin Alas is leading the club with 18.5. Ravena was also dishing out most assists with an average of 6.5 while his average steals are 1.8.

Guiao admitted that Ravena's departure dealt their campaign a major blow but bared other players like Jericho Cruz, Philip Paniamogan and Mike Ayonayon are more than willing to step up.

"His absence will have a very big effect on our campaign. We're losing his numbers and those are not small contributions. He's our go-to guy and we're losing his leadership on and off the court," Guiao spoke of Ravena.

"But I believe other guys are ready to step in and fill in those minutes and intangibles from Kiefer."

NLEX fell short of a playoffs seat last season after a 5-6 card in the eliminations and Guiao said they are eyeing for a better finish this time around but asserted it would be difficult with Ravena not around.

"The only way he can play for us is if we reach the quarterfinals or semis but I doubt he can still make it back in the quarters."

—JMB, GMA News