Thirdy Ravena has always looked forward to teaming up with his brother Kiefer once again.
They first played together in Ateneo back in UAAP Season 77, but never had another chance, with academic issues hounding the younger Ravena and forcing him to sit out the next season.
Season 78 was Kiefer’s final playing year, but Thirdy returned to the Blue Eagles in Season 79.
Since then, Thirdy dreamed of being on the same squad as his kuya, who’s now one of the PBA’s top guards.
Well, his wish has finally been granted. On Wednesday, the SBP announced Gilas Pilipinas’ lineup versus Indonesia in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers’ first window, with both Ravenas on it.
“Ngayon ko lang nalaman, thank you,” expressed the 23-year-old, who last played for Gilas in the sixth window of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers last year.
“I don’t know what to feel.”
Thirdy may feel elated with the situation, but he also feels for Kiefer at the same time, since the NLEX Road Warriors star has just been appointed to be the national team’s captain ball.
“Masaya siya, pero at the same time malaking responsibility ‘yon, kasi ‘yung kapatid ko par[ng] na rin siyang coach, para[ng] na rin siyang tatay ko, kasi kahit on the court tinuturuan niya rin ako,” he said.
With that, the three-time UAAP gold medalist and his fellow flagbearers aim to fulfill their responsibilities — to represent the Philippines the best that they can.
“A big responsibility not just for me, but for everyone to do their part to make sure that we represent the country to the best of our abilities,” he said.
“Can’t wait to represent the Philippines once again.”
