Thirdy Ravena open to play for Ateneo with brother Kiefer

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Thirdy Ravena open to play for Ateneo with brother Kiefer

THIRDY Ravena has yet to decide where to play in college, but considering the controversial UAAP residency requirement for transferees and a possible partnership with elder brother Kiefer, the rising star may just stay put at Ateneo.

Thirdy said that aside from his father, former pro Bong Ravena, big brother Kiefer was a key factor in the development of his game and the younger Ravena is open to the possibility of being teammates with the current King Blue Eagle.

“Why not?” he said.

Moving to another school could prevent Thirdy from battling the incoming senior Kiefer since he has to sit out two years under the league's new, controversial residency rules, but staying put at Ateneo will give the brothers a chance to play side by side.

“My brother and my dad ’yung dalawang tumutulong sa amin, sila talaga ang nagbibigay ng advice kung ano gagawin at kung paano ma-maximize ’yung skills ko sa court,” said Ravena.

The 16-year-old Ravena has yet to finalize his college plans, though, saying he is focused on the UAAP Season 76 juniors basketball finals series between the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and the National University Bullpups starting on Monday.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, I’ll decide after the series,” said Ravena. “Gusto ko naka-focus sa championship.”

The Blue Eaglets will have to win thrice to capture the crown, but the Bullpups, who finished the eliminations with a 14-0 record to gain an outright finals seat, will only have to win twice.

Thirdy Ravena was named Most Valuable Player, formally receiving the trophy in Saturday’s awarding rites after topping the statistical points race during the eliminations. Spin.ph had earlier reported Ravena was to be crowned Most Valuable Player.

Ravena said that while he is happy to win the individual plum, he wants a championship for the Blue Eaglets.

“It’s really humbling na manalo ng MVP pero gusto ko rin manalo para sa team and as a team achievement na mag-champion. Mas okay ‘yung ganung feeling,” said Thirdy.

The UAAP juniors crown could cap off an incredible year for Ravena, who was also part of the Fiba U16 3x3 World Championship with Kobe Paras.

“Sobrang gandang experience dahil walang nakakapuntang Philippine team doon,” said Ravena.