Right after the Ateneo Blue Eagles defeated the UST Growling Tigers Tuesday, Thirdy Ravena looked for Rhenz Abando.
After all, the Ateneo star had a surprise gift for the native of Sto. Tomas, La Union.
“Nung D-League, after ng game namin sa Cignal-Ateneo, tinanong niya kung anong size ng sapatos ko,” recalled Abando.
That game took place back in March 7, where UST blew out Ateneo, 112-98. Prior to that, Abando had expressed his admiration of Ravena, disclosing that the Blue Eagle is one of his idols.
This time, though, UST could not replicate the result. They fell to Ateneo, 70-71.
Abando had nine points, five rebounds, and an assist, while Ravena tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Still, receiving a Nike Freak 1 and a Jordan Mars 270 softened the blow of the loss somewhat.
“Sobrang nakaka-inspire kasi pinapanood ko lang sila dati sa TV, kalaro ko na ngayon. Gusto mo talagang sabayan,” the transferee from Philippine College of Science and Technology in Pangasinan.
Moreover, his budding friendship with Ravena has changed his perception of Ateneans.
“Ngayon, alam ko nang sobrang bait niya. Akala ko dati, ‘pag Ateneo, snobero, masungit.”
