AFTER previously representing the country, Growling Tiger Kevin Ferrer is being eyed to don the national colors once more.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes has expressed interest in inviting Ferrer, with several other top UAAP cagers, to join the national team’s cadet pool.
“Terrence [Romeo], Kiefer [Ravena], RayRay [Parks], AVO (Arnold Van Opstal), [Chris]Newsome, [Raymond] Almazan, Ferrer will surely be invited to join Gilas Cadets. Gusto kaya nila o papayagan ba sila?” he said in his Twitter account.
The 6-foot-four stalwart is looking forward to the opportunity and said he would gladly accept the invitation if it pushes through.
“I’m really happy to be one of those invited for I may again get the chance to represent our country. It has been my dream ever since my RP Youth days when I was so proud to carry our flag,” Ferrer told the Varsitarian.
The lanky forward was part of the Eric Altamirano-led Philippine Under-18 national team, which finished fifth in the 2010 FIBA-Asia Under-18 Championships in Yemen. He was with Ateneo de Manila University star Ravena, De La Salle University’s Jeron Teng, and National University point guard Gelo Alolino.
Ferrer also competed in the FIBA-Asia 3X3 Championships in Qatar earlier this year as a member of thePhilippine 3-on-3 team with former Ateneo Blue Eagle Bacon Austria.
But Reyes was quick to clarify that he was yet to complete the list.
“Chillax! I just said they'll be invited. I didn’t say it's a final list, or that sila lang,” he said.
Nevertheless, Ferrer said the news gave him additional motivation to improve his skills since he really wants to make the cut.
“I will really prepare, especially if there would be try-outs. I really want to make it [to the national team],” he said, adding that he would bring “defense and experience” to the pool. Paul Kennedy A. Lintag with reports from Kristelle Ann A. Batchelor
