Ateneo's Thirdy Ravena perfectly fine with newfound bench role

MANILA, Philippines – Thirdy Ravena does not mind coming off the bench for Ateneo as long as his team is winning.

The slam-dunking forward shrugged off his new role in their 71-62 win over arch rival La Salle last Sunday to clinch the top season in Season 81 UAAP Final Four round.

For the first time this season, Ravena was not inserted in the starting five by coach Tab Baldwin.

“Nothing different for me. It was coaches’ decision at si coach Tab alam naman niya ang gagawin during the game. He knows how to prepare,” said Ravena, who still topscored for the Eagles with 14 points and added 10 rebounds.

“As a player, ready ka lang sa lahat ng instances na puwedeng mangyari. If it means coming off the bench, as a veteran of the team, the guys coming off the bench must produce for the team as well,” he added.

Ateneo assistant Sandy Arespacochaga said Baldwin has tried different combinations in terms of who will start for them throughout the season that’s why seeing Ravena to come off the bench was not a surprise for him.

“We don’t know what coach Tab will do or thinking about. Definitely, we have a purpose. Good thing Thirdy was not bothered by that change. He still played well for us and that was very important,” said Arespacochaga.

Ravena, last year’s Finals MVP, also did well defensively as he had two blocks in the game including one against La Salle’s returning center Taane Samuel.

“Another challenge and as a player, I’m just doing my job like my teammates,” he said. “That’s what made us successful, kaya kami nandito. We do it because of our defense.”