FILE–Gilas Pilipinas guard Kiefer Ravena during the 2023 Fiba World Cup.

MANILA, Philippines—Once a national team mainstay, Kiefer Ravena is content supporting Gilas Pilipinas from afar.

In fact, as much of an honor as it is to represent the country on the international stage, being away from Gilas may just be what’s best for Ravena’s well-being.

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“Personally, just looking at my career individually when it comes to the national team, I think I’ve saved myself so much peace just by supporting them from behind,” said Ravena in a recent interview with the Inquirer

“I have full support with every guy who puts on that jersey.”

Ravena, a five-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, last played for Gilas during the 2023 Fiba World Cup in Manila, where Gilas finished with a 1-4 record.

The former Ateneo standout logged an average of 10 minutes per game, tallying 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in five games and yet took unfair criticisms for the team’s woes throughout the tournament.

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Following the Fiba World Cup, Ravena has since focused on growing his career.

The 31-year-old Ravena recently signed a contract extension with the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the B.League and was even invited to the Jordan brand’s Board of Greatness event in Athens, Greece. He also tied the knot with beauty queen Diana Mackey last June.

“I think they’re doing pretty well,” Ravena, who was in attendance for Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals where his father, Bong, was an assistant coach at TNT, said of Gilas. “They’re doing well on their own and they have a successful program,”