Kiefer Ravena admitted that he didn’t speak with his dad Bong heading into the NLEX Road Warriors’ 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup clash with the TNT KaTropa on Friday evening.
For the 25-year-old, he wanted to show that he’s determined to win over the top-seeded team this conference.
“Sa grupo nga namin sa family, nagpupustahan kami. ‘Yung matalo, papakain. So dun pa lang, ako ‘di na ‘ko sumasagot kasi gusto ko ipakita sa kanya na focus[ed] ako sa laro,” Kiefer shared.
“Siya he will coach, eh ako maglalaro. I have to perform. So mindset-wise, I had to also have an edge over him. Medyo kagabi ko pa siya ‘di kinakausap para everything’s serious.”
The last time they faced off in the PBA was in February of last year, with the Ravena patriarch reigning triumphant as TNT decimated NLEX, 76-101, in Philippine Cup action.
So once they set foot on the SMART Araneta Coliseum floor, the second-generation cager was all business.
Ravena orchestrated the Road Warriors’ offense, churning out 16 points and 13 assists to help his side get the 126-113 victory to deal their sister team their first loss after starting the tilt 7-0.
“There’s no family affair on that forty-eight minutes on the floor,” said the Ateneo de Manila product.
“During those forty-eight minutes of battle, it’s us being professionals.
“We have to set everything aside for the meantime, and fight for one another’s team,” he furthered.
But of course, it was back to being family again after the final buzzer sounded. The father and son even made a unique handshake during the two teams’ exchange of pleasantries post-game.
“After, we have all the time in the world to joke around and be father and son. Ngayon maguusap na kami.”
And as a dad, Bong is happy with his son’s in the game, even if he was among the reasons for the KaTropa’s first defeat in the season-ending meet.
“I’m glad he played that well. Talagang sa bahay to be honest, pinaghandaan niya talaga. ‘Di ko lang sya pinapansin, pero alam mo ‘yung preparations niya, so ok na rin ganyan laro niya,” the PBA legend said.
“I’m happy. And to NLEX they really played well. Give credit where credit is due.”
