ANOTHER Ilonggo cager is set to join the Philippine men’s national basketball team for the ongoing 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Ferdinand ‘Thirdy’ Ravena III, who traces his roots to Iloilo City native, recently received a call up from Gilas Pilipinas to reinforce the team.

According to Gilas head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, Ravena has a chance at cracking the 12-man lineup as he wants to invest in the next generation of players.

“It’s a chance and an opportunity to improve, for them to prepare themselves if they don’t make it for the next generation of the national team,” Guiao added.

To recall, Ravena paced Ateneo de Manila University during the UAAP Season 81 Finals. He averaged 29.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game. He was named finals MVP after beating UP Fighting Maroons in the finals.

Ravena is now a two-time champion, two-time Mythical Five member, and a two-time Finals MVP.

Gilas is in fourth place in Group F of the FIBA World Cup qualifier with a 5-5 win-loss record, while their Lebanese counterparts hold a 6-4 record. Their upcoming games against Qatar and Kazakhstan are must-wins to clinch qualification.