WITH Thirdy Ravena making it to the Gilas' final 12 roster that will suit up for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, he’s finally reunited with brother Kiefer, who’s been named the captain of the national team.
It is the very first time that the siblings will represent the country together wearing Gilas blue. The younger Ravena revealed that it’s a dream for their family, fulfilling the long-time ambition of their mother, Mozzy.
“Actually it came from my mom nga eh, ‘yung dream niya talaga na makita niya kami sa national team na magkasama," Thirdy told SPIN Life. "Lalo na ‘nung naalala ko na sinabi niya before na napapanood niya maglaro sina Marc and Pau Gasol noon sa Spain [in 2006-2012 for the Spanish national team]. Naalala ko sabi niya, ‘What a dream na pag magkasama kayo sa national team, ‘no?’ Tapos ngayon, magkasama na kami.”
The Ravena siblings last played for the same team — Ateneo Blue Eagles — four years ago in UAAP season 77. It is Thirdy’s second time to represent the Philippines after having played in the final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers last year. At the time, Kiefer was still serving his 18-month FIBA ban at the time.
Although thrilled to be back on the same court, Thirdy explained that it was only the beginning of their new journey as siblings and members of the national team.
“It doesn’t end there. We still have to do our job. It’s an honor and it’s a big responsibility at the same time, kasi it’s the whole national [team] we’re talking [about]. It only begins here,” said the three-time UAAP Finals MVP.
He added: “We’re both in one team, we have to enjoy this and help each other out, make the most out of it since we never know when it will happen again. It’s more of cherishing the moment.”
The 22-year-old guard also shared that he sees Kiefer as more than just an older brother. “Malaking responsibility talaga kasi ‘yung kapatid ko para na rin siyang coach, para na rin siyang tatay ko eh. Kahit nasa court, tinuturuan niya pa rin ako. We still have a lot to work on individually, as a team, and as siblings,” Thirdy said.
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