PBA: Kiefer's superb debut doesn't surprise Guiao | ABS-CBN
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PBA: Kiefer's superb debut doesn't surprise Guiao
PBA: Kiefer's superb debut doesn't surprise Guiao
Camille B. Naredo,
ABS-CBN News
Published Dec 20, 2017 08:40 PM PHT
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Updated Dec 21, 2017 01:30 AM PHT
MANILA, Philippines – Somehow, Kiefer Ravena lived up to the massive hype in his debut for the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA on Wednesday.
MANILA, Philippines – Somehow, Kiefer Ravena lived up to the massive hype in his debut for the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA on Wednesday.
The No. 2 pick in the 2017 PBA rookie draft dropped a double-double in his very first game, finishing with 18 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and two steals as the Road Warriors hacked out a 119-115 win over a gutsy Kia Picanto squad.
The No. 2 pick in the 2017 PBA rookie draft dropped a double-double in his very first game, finishing with 18 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and two steals as the Road Warriors hacked out a 119-115 win over a gutsy Kia Picanto squad.
Ravena expertly balanced his scoring with his playmaking, breaking down Kia's defense for drop passes and kickouts. The only blemish in his stat line were his four turnovers, as well as his four missed three-pointers.
Ravena expertly balanced his scoring with his playmaking, breaking down Kia's defense for drop passes and kickouts. The only blemish in his stat line were his four turnovers, as well as his four missed three-pointers.
Still, it was a remarkable debut for the "Phenom." According to league statistician Fidel Mangonon, Ravena's 12 assists are likely the most by a rookie in his first game.
Still, it was a remarkable debut for the "Phenom." According to league statistician Fidel Mangonon, Ravena's 12 assists are likely the most by a rookie in his first game.
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"Kiefer played well for us," NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said after the game.
"Kiefer played well for us," NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said after the game.
Guiao might have been the only person at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Wednesday who was utterly unsurprised at how well Ravena played. "I had no doubt that he can make an impact and that he can lead the team as a rookie," he asserted.
Guiao might have been the only person at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Wednesday who was utterly unsurprised at how well Ravena played. "I had no doubt that he can make an impact and that he can lead the team as a rookie," he asserted.
"That's exactly what he did. He's going to be a very special player in this league," Guiao added.
"That's exactly what he did. He's going to be a very special player in this league," Guiao added.
The famously sharp-tongued Guiao had nothing but praise for his rookie guard, even comparing Ravena to "a combination of Paul Lee and Willie Miller" – two of the most talented guards that he has coached in his career.
The famously sharp-tongued Guiao had nothing but praise for his rookie guard, even comparing Ravena to "a combination of Paul Lee and Willie Miller" – two of the most talented guards that he has coached in his career.
"He's able to create his own shots, he's able to find his open teammates, and that's very good for the team," said Guiao. "Our style of play is really just finding the open guys. He's smart enough to recognize that."
"He's able to create his own shots, he's able to find his open teammates, and that's very good for the team," said Guiao. "Our style of play is really just finding the open guys. He's smart enough to recognize that."
"He's exactly what we're looking for and what the doctor ordered for us," he added.
"He's exactly what we're looking for and what the doctor ordered for us," he added.
Ravena, however, simply downplayed his coach's praise.
Ravena, however, simply downplayed his coach's praise.
"Even though he's praising me like that, come to practice, wala 'yun, believe me," he said after the game.
"Even though he's praising me like that, come to practice, wala 'yun, believe me," he said after the game.
"There's nothing special about it. 'Yung mga sinabi niya ngayon, it's water under the bridge. We have to focus on the next game and focus on the things we have to do to improve even more," Ravena stressed.
"There's nothing special about it. 'Yung mga sinabi niya ngayon, it's water under the bridge. We have to focus on the next game and focus on the things we have to do to improve even more," Ravena stressed.
For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.
For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.
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