Ateneo’s Baldwin hopes Thirdy Ravena sustains momentum

MANILA, Philippines – After Thirdy Ravena hoisted another double-double, Ateneo consultant Tab Baldwin hopes the Eagles’ new skipper in can keep soaring.

 

The brightest spot in the Eagles' conquest of the Maroons, Ravena scored 22 points and snared 10 rebounds – both of which are his UAAP career-highs.

 

"He played with composure," Baldwin said of Ravena. "That's what we are striving for with him. Now we want to see consistency."

 

This is Ravena's first season out of the shadow of his older brother Kiefer, whom he draws much comparison to. Thirdy's rookie season didn't pack the fireworks many have expected, while what could've been a

sophomore stint was cancelled by academic woes. But the wingman seems to be making up for the past two years.

 

After a dismal first two games, Ravena have doubled his efforts in leading the charge for Ateneo. Now without Aaron Black, the latter had to do most of the heavy lifting and while most cagers would struggle with the challenge, the 6-foot-2 cager certainly did not.

 

While Ravena only scored three and seven points in his last two games before the game with UP, his season's bests came in the tussles against perennial contenders – against bridesmaids UST, where he tallied 17, and versus the defending champions FEU, where he registered another 17.

 

And if he is able to maintain a solid showing, Baldwin believes a solid outing for the Eagles would be guaranteed.

 

"There's no question that on anyone's mind that Thirdy has a lot of potential and a big future," he said. 

 

Even UP coach Bo Perasol, who was Ateneo's head coach for the past two years, was nothing but praises for his former ward.

 

"I'm proud seeing him now to be a better basketball player," he said. "He should have played for me last year. That could have been his game. He could have helped us nung season na yun.” 

 

"Whatever happens, happens. Panahon niya talaga ngayon. He has the potential to do that, more than that even," Perasol Added.

 

"The future is a long way off, the focus is day to day," Badlwin said. "He is really working his butt off and he is making progress." 

 

Ravena's biggest test of the first round will be on Sunday, when the Blue Eagles take on the undefeated De La Salle University Green Archers.