Basketball has been in the DNA of the Ravenas.
Bong, father of Kiefer and Thirdy, took a gamble of going to Manila to apply for a college varsity scholarship at the University of the East Warriors, along with his cousins—Vic and Vernie Villarias. They all made it to the squad.
Several years later, they were able to make it to the big league, playing in the PBA, but it was Ravena, who ended up with a more illustrious career, winning five championships on top of winning the Rookie of the Year honors in 1992 and the Most Improved Player award in 1997.
When Ravena was done with his playing career, he ended up as an assistant coach of Talk N Text, was elevated to the position as assistant team manager and lately, was named head coach of the TNT Ka Tropa.
Such a long journey in basketball for the elder Ravena.
Years after he retired from playing, his sons, Kiefer and Thirdy, are now making their own mark in the basketball circuit.
Kiefer, the more talented one, ended up as a two-time UAAP champion and in the process, won back-to-back MVP awards. But he was also a part of many champion teams of the national squad, whom he represented in the Southeast Asian Games while also helping the NLEX Road Warriors, then playing in the D-League, to a dynasty in the amateur commercial league.
Thirdy, possibly the more athletic and more of a two-way player, is equally great as his older brother. After learning that his dad made a good reputation as a ball player and watching big brother Kiefer reap awards one after another, the younger sibling was more determined to prove that he can continue the family legacy.
And Thirdy didn’t disappoint. He helped the Ateneo Blue Eagles to three straight championships and in the process, won three consecutive Finals MVP on his way to being named College Player of the Year.
But here’s the catch. Thirdy was also given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play for the San-en NeoPhoenix in the Japanese Basketball League. It will be an 11-month journey for the younger Ravena, but we don’t know where his luck pushes him after that, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic stalling major sporting events in the world.
The “old man” Ravena may be good, his son Kiefer could be better, but Thirdy may become the best, especially with the opportunities being presented to him. Without commitment from the PBA, this young player could weigh his options and look out at what’s the best the world can offer. After all, basketball is a global sport.
