Veteran guard Kiefer Ravena has officially closed the chapter on his international basketball career, announcing that his time representing the Philippine men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, has come to an end.
After more than a decade of wearing the national colors at various levels, Ravena said he is ready to step aside and make way for the next generation of Filipino players. The 32-year-old guard reflected on his journey with the national team, describing his experience as a memorable and rewarding chapter of his career.
“I’m done with my career with the national team. It has been fun,” Ravena said to the media while attending Alex Eala’s “Play Mind Games” meet-and-greet event at Nike Fort in Taguig on Monday, July 13.
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Ravena’s Gilas Pilipinas journey began long before he became a fixture in the senior national team. He first represented the country at the youth level in 2009 with the Philippine men’s national Under-17 basketball team, beginning a long association with international basketball that would see him compete in major tournaments across different age groups and formats.
Over the years, Ravena became one of the most recognizable figures in Philippine basketball, known for his leadership, competitiveness, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. He eventually made the transition to the senior national team, becoming a key contributor in Gilas Pilipinas’ campaigns in international competitions.
His final appearance for the national team came during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which was hosted by the Philippines. Ravena played five games in the tournament, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 assists per game as part of the Gilas squad that competed against some of the world’s top basketball nations.
However, following the transition from former head coach Chot Reyes to current mentor Tim Cone, Ravena found himself outside the national team rotation. Despite calls from some supporters for his return due to his experience and familiarity with international basketball, the veteran guard acknowledged that the program had moved in a different direction.
Ravena accepted the decision and expressed his understanding that the national team is focused on developing a new generation of players who can carry Philippine basketball forward.
“NAG-RETIRE NA NGANI.”
Kiefer Ravena shared with ABS-CBN News on Monday that he has retired from Gilas Pilipinas duties as he reflected on a national team career that saw him rise from the youth ranks in 2009 and eventually make his mark with the seniors’ squad. | via… pic.twitter.com/XMSpVIaXc5
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) July 13, 2026
“A lot of people said na hindi pa kailangan, pero nag-retire na nga. That’s the direction that they are going, so for me, there’s no problem with that,” he added.
Although he has made his decision public, Ravena clarified that he has not formally communicated his retirement from Gilas Pilipinas to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). For the veteran guard, his decision was personal and did not require an official announcement beyond sharing his intentions.
“I don’t think I have to do that. I don’t think I have to tell anybody at this point of my career, where I am,” Ravena continued.
While his national team career has ended, Ravena’s professional basketball journey continues. The former NLEX Road Warriors standout recently signed with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B. League, opening a new chapter as he focuses on extending his club career overseas.
Ravena said he remains fully supportive of Gilas Pilipinas and believes the country’s future remains bright with the emergence of younger players who will take on the responsibility of representing the Philippines on the international stage.
“I’m very happy that I was able to have that opportunity. I’m just in full support for the national team and the next generation of athletes who will represent the Philippines. It’s not that I wasn’t able to represent the country in my career. I have done it in the past. Walang kulang, no regrets, and just full of love. Pro career, and pro family,” he concluded.
During his time with Gilas Pilipinas, Ravena collected numerous achievements and became one of the country’s most decorated national team players. He was part of five Southeast Asian Games gold medal-winning campaigns from 2011 to 2019, helping the Philippines maintain its dominance in regional basketball.
Beyond his medal haul, Ravena’s impact on the national program extended beyond statistics. He served as a veteran presence in the locker room, offering leadership to younger teammates while representing the competitive spirit associated with Philippine basketball.
As he moves forward with his professional career in Japan, Ravena leaves Gilas Pilipinas with a legacy built on commitment, consistency, and pride in representing the country. Though his national team chapter has ended, his influence on Philippine basketball is expected to continue as he enters the next phase of his career.
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