Just like the rest of the pool, it surprised Thirdy Ravena when news broke that he was one of the eight amateur players considered for the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“It’s an honor.
“Natawa lang ako kasi nalama ko siya through Twitter. ‘Di ako naniwala nung unang nilabas yung article,” the 22-year-old confessed.
Still, Ravena is the most accomplished out of the eight prospects, who include fellow Atenean Isaac Go; UP’s Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, and Juan Gomez de Liaño; NU’s Dave Ildefonso; DLSU’s Justine Baltazar; and former Blue Eaglet Kai Sotto.
Besides being a two-time UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player, Ravena has also been part of the seniors’ team. He previously played for Gilas during the sixth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
But if there’s one thing he regrets, it’s that he was not able to join the Gilas team that won gold during the 2015 edition of the biennial meet in Singapore.
“In 2015, I wasn’t able to make it to the team. And now, ready na ako to give my all if ever I get picked to the team,” he recalled.
This time around, there’s a huge possibility that Thirdy can be teammates with his brother Kiefer in Gilas.
Kiefer already expressed his commitment to the team two years ago, since he is gunning for a fifth SEAG gold. For Thirdy, he wants to be there with his brother as they look to make history together.
“Of course, why not? Nangyari na ba yun before? It’s always nice to achieve history, especially if kasama ko yung kapatid ko,” said Thirdy, who last became teammates with his brother back in 2013.
“To be given a chance not just to play with him but other great players na ilalagay nila sa lineup… I can’t wait na ipakita yung pride sa country.”
