Thirdy Ravena thanked his brother Kiefer following his outstanding performance in Gilas Pilipinas’ successful debut in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers’ first window versus Indonesia Sunday night.
The 23-year-old winger was impressive in the game, setting the pace for the Filipino dribblers with 23 points on 50-percent shooting along with eight rebounds in their 100-70 victory.
And he credited that to Kiefer — recently named as the team captain — making him comfortable.
“It feels good, definitely. It made me feel more comfortable being in the team, especially with my brother as the captain,” Thirdy said during the post-game presser streamed via FIBA.com.
“He prepped me pretty good. He was basically doing his part as a captain and making everyone else, not just me, feel comfortable around the team to just do our jobs.”
The younger Ravena did his job as well as the other Filipino dribblers in conquering their Southeast Asian rivals.
Roger Pogoy chalked up 16 points and six rebounds, and CJ Perez made 11 points and seven boards. Meanwhile, the older Ravena and Juan Gomez de Liaño chimed in 10 markers apiece.
This victory means plenty for Thirdy, since he’d wanted a reunion like this with his brother. After all, he’s waited nearly six years for them to play together on the same team again.
The two last teamed up in Ateneo in the UAAP Season 77 in 2014. They were supposed to do it again the following season, but the younger Ravena had to sit out due to academic issues.
Season 78 was the final playing year of Kiefer. On the other hand, Thirdy returned to the Blue Eagles in Season 79.
“Definitely feels good to play with him again after years of waiting,” said the three-time UAAP gold medalist.
Now, Thirdy can’t wait to play more games with his “kuya”, who’s among the best guards in the PBA today.
“I can’t wait to play with him some more. I look up to him, and he’s one of the people who really guided me growing up and playing basketball, and really taught me how to play the sport,” he said.
“And, yeah, I can’t wait to learn from him and learn from coach Mark (Dickel) and everyone else from the coaching staff, so it’s a great feeling to have him again as a teammate.”
