As expected, Kiefer Ravena was the second overall pick in the 2017 PBA Draft, joining the NLEX Road Warriors. Though prior to the draft, he had known full well where he would land, the two-time UAAP champion admitted that having his name called was a surreal moment for him.
“Kahit ano naman sabihin natin, iba parin ‘pag natawag na yung pangalan mo doon sa podium. Sobrang dream come true,” shared Ravena.
And he had goosebumps over being drafted by a team coached by Yeng Guiao.
Back in 1992, Guiao had wanted to draft Kiefer’s father Bong Ravena with the sixth pick, as he had already handled the defensive specialist back in his amateur days.
“Sabi ko nga kanina, 25, 26 years ago, si Coach Yeng gusto niya kunin yung dad ko, ngayon nagkaroon siya ng opportunity na kumuha ng isang Ravena,” the second-generation cager added.
“Sana mas okay yung nakuha niyang Ravena,” the 24-year-old joked.
It will be tough to up the ante on what his father accomplished. In Bong’s rookie season, he was adjudged the top neophyte of the league.
But even if he doesn’t do as well, Kiefer is hoping that he can be at least as good a provider to his future family just like how his father is to their family of five.
“Four years old, five years old nun nalaman kong puwedeng gawin itong hanap buhay,” reflected Ravena, who was overcome by this moment, “Nakita ko yung daddy ko kung how he was a great provider for our family with basketball.
“So I wanted this to happen to me as well, to help my family out and for the future as well.
