Thirdy Ravena realizes Gilas dream
MANILA, Philippines – Thirdy Ravena is a back-to-back UAAP champion, but his biggest dream has just been fulfilled.
Once a mere spectator of his basketball "kuyas" doning the Gilas Pilipinas jersey, the Ateneo Blue Eagle star is now ready to see action in the FIBA World Cup stage.
Ravena, who made the Gilas 12-man lineup for their FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers match against Qatar on February 21 (February 22 Manila Time) in Doha, expressed his gratefulness for the inclusion on his Instagram.
The social media post included a screenshot of a tweet from Ravena in 2015 about his dream to play for flag and country, as well as a photo of the Gilas Final 12 lineup where the younger Ravena is included.
It was as if the tweet had spoken itself into existence.
"It was all a dream," Ravena wrote in the caption.
"4 years ago, I was just a young kid watching my kuyas play in the FIBA 2015 World Championships on TV. Who knew that this would happen??? Thank you, Lord. All you," Ravena said.
Ravena takes the place of Raymond Almazan, who will be missing out on the Qatar game due to an injury.
Joining Ravena in the 12-man lineup are veterans Andray Blatche, Gabe Norwood, June Mar Fajardo and Jason Castro.
Japeth Aguilar, Paul Lee, Marcio Lassiter, Poy Erram, Mark Barroca, Scottie Thompson and Troy Rosario complete the cast.
Gilas is in a must-win situation against home team Qatar, as well as Kazhakstan later this week to qualify for the World Cup. The squad currently holds a 5-5 record, good enough for fourth place in Group F of the Asian Qualifiers.
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