For the entirety of the 2010s, the Ravena brothers — namely Kiefer and Thirdy — have made winning championships in Ateneo a family business. Now, they are gunning for something bigger: national pride.
Last week, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced that Kiefer and Thirdy will be part of Gilas Pilipinas’ pool in the first window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
It has already been a week since the announcement. Still, Thirdy disclosed that he and Kiefer have yet to talk about it at home.
“‘Di pa kami nag-uusap about it. Never pa namin na-bring up,” said Thirdy, who is three years younger than Kiefer.
“I can’t wait na makasama siya ulit.”
And this moment was five years in the making.
The only year Kiefer and Thirdy had a chance to play together was back in UAAP Season 77. In Kiefer’s final year with Ateneo, he could not play with his younger brother, since Thirdy was put on academic probation.
Up until now, Thirdy regrets that moment.
“Last year niya dapat maglalaro kami together. Hindi nangyari dahil sa problema ko sa grades. After five years, may chance na ulit,” admitted Thirdy, who went on to win three championships with the Blue Eagles.
“I can’t wait to work with him and everybody else on the pool.”
Gilas’ sessions begin next month, with the tournament opening in the last week of February. Kiefer knows that he has to adjust to Thirdy, as his brother’s game has grown by leaps and bounds since they last played together.
“Excited siyempre and thankful for the opportunity to play with him again. It’s been a while and I’m sure there will be adjustments along the way,” said Kiefer, who has been a mainstay in Gilas.
Now, the brothers have a chance to make history for something much bigger than them — Gilas Pilipinas. And they plan on making both the Ravena surname on their backs and the Pilipinas name on the front proud.
“Sobrang saya ng feeling,” shared Thirdy.
“Wearing the Gilas uniform on one court is a win for our family more than anything else,” added Kiefer.
