Everyone knows how much Kiefer Ravena looks up to late great Kobe Bryant, even changing his NLEX jersey no. from 15 to 24 to pay tribute to his idol.
Tuesday evening, the 26-year-old guard continued to follow in the footsteps of Bryant by becoming the second ambassador of the Women’s National Basketball League after Bea Daez-Fabros.
Bryant was a staunch supporter of women’s basketball, watching the games of Team USA women’s basketball in the Olympics. The same can be said about Ravena, according to a couple of Gilas Women’s legends.
“Noong 2011 SEA Games, siya lang sa men’s basketball team natin ang nanonood ng bawat laro namin dati sa Perlas,” recalled Allana Lim.
“Siya talaga ang number one fan namin,” added Ewon Arayi.
Welcoming Ravena was NBL chairman Soy Mercado and Executive Vice President Rhose Montreal.
“On behalf of the men and women of our league, Kiefer sobrang welcome ka sa family ng WNBL. I would also like to thank the management of NLEX and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial for allowing him to be our ambassador.
“Everybody knows how supportive Kiefer is sa women’s basketball. The more influencers we have, the more we can spread the good news of women’s basketball,” said Montreal.
“I am just as excited as all of you as we get ready to write another chapter in our league’s growing history. I hope that this league will be the pioneering league for women’s players. I hope that we work together as a team, Kiefer,” added Mercado.
But for Ravena, it’s not just about continuing the legacy left behind by Bryant. He has always advocated the women’s game since he was in Ateneo High.
“It’s part of it of course, but more than anything, nanonood na talaga ako ng women’s basketball dati pa. Nung nasa Ateneo High School dati, kasi nagme-merge dati ‘yung games ng juniors and women’s dati sa UAAP, so I will arrive early to watch the games or even stay after. Not just Ateneo,” he said.
“For me, gusto ko lang talaga suportahan ‘yung mga players natin at sana mabigay natin ‘yun.”
