Ever since he was a dreamer, Kiefer Ravena has always wanted to play and represent the country overseas.
Now, he gets that chance after signing a one-year deal with Shiga Lakestars in the Japan B.League. And no one feels more proud than his younger Thirdy.
“I’m definitely happy for him na nakamit na niya ‘yung matagal niyang pangarap, which is to play overseas.
“Just very happy na magkikita pa kami sa Japan where we won’t just get to represent ourselves, but the Philippines. ‘Yun naman ‘yung malaking part dun, which is to show everyone that we Filipinos can be world-class. So, more than anything, it’s that,” said Thirdy, who is completing his 10-day hotel quarantine in a hotel in Libis, to Tiebreaker Times.
After a stellar six-year run in Ateneo, Thirdy signed with San-En NeoPhoenix for the 2020-21 B.League season.
During his rookie campaign, the 6-foot-3 winger experienced a lot of highs and lows. He would dazzle in his debut before going down with a plethora of injuries.
Moreover, he was unable to celebrate holidays and his 24th birthday with his family.
Thirdy knows that Kiefer knows what he is getting into, though. The latter already experienced life abroad while he was developmental player for G League club Texas Legends from November 2016 to February of 2017.
“No pa naman. But definitely, when we are both there, he’s going to ask me some questions on how to kill your boredom, kung ilang hours a day spine-spend mo sa extra. ‘Yung mga ganung bagay,” said Thirdy, who is three years the junior of Kiefer.
“So far naman, si Manong, nag-States na ‘yan before. He has had experience overseas.”
It also helps that Shiga is just less than 160 kilometers away from Mikawa — the home base of San-En.
“Only a two hour drive, so I can go there anytime and he can go to me. ‘Pag bullet train mas malapit pa, but it’s much more expensive,” Thirdy quipped.
However, all their pleasantries will be put down the drain momentarily once Shiga and San-En square off.
For Thirdy, he will relish the opportunity to face his brother for the first time in their careers.
“It’s going to be exciting that we will be facing each other. We are going to have some fun.”
That game will be a must-watch for Filipino basketball fans and for the Ravena household. And he hopes that their dad Bong, mom Mozzy, and sister Dani will fly to Japan once it takes place.
“Hopefully, we can encourage the Filipino community — not just here but also in Japan — to celebrate Philippine basketball. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung importante dun, which is nag-eenjoy ‘yung mga Filipino dun at nakikita nila na naglalaro tayo overseas,” he expressed.
“Hopefully, we can have our family watch our games there.”
