At some point in their lives, brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena would face each other in the professional ranks. Of course, being two elite basketball players, it was inevitable.
“For me, the sibling rivalry between Thirdy and I goes way back when we were kids, when we were in the house playing basketball and just enjoying our time together, ” recalled Kiefer.
But for sure, no one expected that their first-ever game against each other will be in Japan.
“Now, it’s a different level. We are now playing professional basketball and we both want to win for our teams,” Kiefer, who is three years the elder of Thirdy continued.
On Saturday, Kiefer’s Shiga hosts Thirdy’s San-En to open their 2021-22 B.League season at Ukaruchan Arena.
And even the Japanese fans are hyped for the showdown as buildup videos for the upcoming clash have garnered thousands of views across all social media platforms.
For Thirdy, his second year playing in Japan will be very different compared to his rookie season as there are going to be eight other Filipinos that will play in the B.League. And this includes his brother.
“I’m definitely excited to play against my brother,” said Thirdy. “This is going to be the first time that we are going to play against each other in an official game so I am wondering what that is going to be like.
“Bringing everything into consideration — the preparation, the scouting, and everything that we went through — makes it more exciting.“
Thirdy though is playing with a chip on his shoulder this year.
Seeing how he plays, San-En completely retooled the NeoPhoenix, getting rid of imports Stevan Jelovac, Kyle Hunt, and Nenad Miljenovic for Robert Carter, Justin Knox, and Elias Harris.
Ravena, who only playing 18 games last season, knows they need to have a strong start.
“But it’s a team game and we also know that our team will play 100-percent. Hopefully, it’s going to be a good one this weekend,” shared Thirdy.
Despite Thirdy having a disappointing freshman year, Kiefer stressed that he is proud of what his brother has done.
Without Thirdy, Japan would not have signed the likes of him, the Gomez de Liano brothers, Ray Parks, Kemark Carino, Kobe Paras, and Dwight Ramos.
“It’s going to be really exciting and I am proud of what he has achieved.
“I’m sure the family is also proud of what is about to happen,” said Ravena, going back to their weekend game. “This is the first time that we are going to play against each other and I am pretty much excited to play for the fans of Shiga and just do my best.”
Expectations will also be high for Kiefer as the Lakestars made a complete makeover of their roster as well.
Shiga tapped Luis Guil Torres as its head coach, sacking Shawn Dennis back in May. Their imports are also new in Ovie Soko, Novar Gadson, and Sean O’ Mara.
Just like San-En, Shiga also wants to make a good first impression.
And brothers Kiefer and Thirdy will go all out in getting that.
Photo by @kieferravena
“Thirdy, you better be ready! The Shiga Lakestars are coming for you!” said Kiefer.
“Let’s bring out the best in each other.”
“Manong, watch your back! Joke lang! I wish you all the best and I am happy that both of us are here at this point in our lives,” expressed Thirdy.
“I’m very proud of you.”
