Head coach Yeng Guiao made waves when he decided to include 22-year-old Thirdy Ravena in the Gilas Pilipinas talent pool for the sixth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this February.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles star even saw action in both of the Nationals’ games, including their resounding 93-75 win over fifth window tormentors Kazakhstan on Sunday night, where the Philippines booked a ticket to the World Cup in July.
Ravena – initially a practice player for the national team – may have not scored in the few minutes he played, but the mere fact that he spent time with and learned from some of the country’s finest players was significant.
AndAteneo head coach Tab Baldwin is incredibly proud of this development in Ravena’s career.
“As a coach and probably as a member of the Ateneo community, we’re always proud to see one of our players wear the national colors, and this is no exception,” Baldwin said after Cignal-Ateneo’s 82-68 victory over FamilyMart-Enderun Titans in the 201, PBA D-League, Monday afternoon.
“These two games were a good introduction for Thirdy. He got a little bit of basketball, he got a few minutes, and he gets to feel what it’s like particularly from the competition.”
With that, Baldwin hopes that Ravena learned plenty from his seniors. He also hopes that the second-generation cager will be able to bring all those lessons to further help the reigning two-time UAAP Men’s Basketball champs.
“Hopefully in that environment, he also learned from our players, you know, the importance of playing for your country, the pride that should go with it. Every player should aspire to do that. Hopefully. he learned that in that environment,” expressed the former national team head coach.
“And certainly any lessons he might learn that he can bring back to our team, we’re all ears. We want to learn as much as we can, as often as we can.”
Ravena is no longer allowed to play in the D-League, as he has now played for the national team, but he is eligible for the next PBA Draft. However, Baldwin is still keen on having the athletic swingman play this season.
“So we’re very proud, and we’re also excited to have him back and get our roster back fully fit and fully outfitted.”
