Thirdy Ravena has added another trophy in his growing collection: a PBA D-League championship.
The second-generation cager took the title home after Cignal-Ateneo put on a masterful performance to dismantle the Centro Escolar University Scorpions, 98-66, in Game Four of their best-of-five series, Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Ravena, of course, is glad to earn yet another chip. But more than the championship, the 22-year-old guard is grateful for everything they learned in the D-League, like being better leaders heading into the UAAP this September.
“Gandang experience sa’min, natulungan kami how to be leaders especially for us veterans – yung mga kalaban namin mas matanda dun sa nakakalaban namin sa UAAP,” said Ravena, who had 15 points, four rebounds, and four steals in the win.
“It’s an opportunity for us to be great leaders especially dun sa mga younger batch.”
UAAP Season 82 will be Ravena’s last, ending his six-year journey in the Ateneo. The ride has had its fair share of ups and downs, and has seen him morph into one of the best young players in the country today.
Ravena admitted that the fact that it will be his last flight as a Blue Eagle has yet to sink in. And so he’s doing his best to cherish every single day he has with his team to make everything worthwhile.
“I’ve yet to accept that fact, but I’m working every single day to make sure na worth it yung six-year journey ko.
“As much as possible – more than playing well – it’s really trying to make an impact on the younger guys so that the culture of Ateneo lives on. Yun yung importante para sa’kin,” said the two-time UAAP Men’s Basketball Finals MVP.
When the college chapter of his young career comes to a close, the 2019 Collegiate Basketball Player of the Year is expected to tread the road to the professional ranks, where he is projected to be among the top picks of the 2019 class.
For Ravena, his run in the developmental league also served as a part of his preparations for the pros.
“It’s a great preparation,” said the Gilas Pilipinas member. “Tulad ng sinabi ko, mas matanda, mas pisikal, mas malalakas yung mga kalaban namin.
“That’s a great experience for not just me, but also for the younger guys.”
