Ravena bros relish opportunity to share ball

MANILA, Philippines — Former collegiate standout Thirdy Ravena relishes the chance to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas alongside older brother Kiefer in the opening window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

“Masaya syempre pero at the same time, medyo malaking responsibility. Iyung kasi kapatid ko para na rin siyang coach, para na rin siyang tatay ko, kahit on the court tinuturuan niya rin ako,” said Thirdy, who is part of the youth brigade in the Final 12 assembled for for the away-game against Indonesia.

The siblings play together for the first time since 2014 at Ateneo with NLEX guard Kiefer now serving as team captain as well.

“It’s a big responsibility not just for me but for everyone to do their part, to make sure we represent the country to the best of our abilities. Kasi nga it’s not going to be easy kahit sabihin mong Indonesia ang kalaban. Si coach Rajko (Toroman), they have a new system. I think they have a new lineup from before so it’s going to be tough,” he added.

Thirdy is making his return to the Gilas men’s team after seeing action in the Philippines’ 84-46 rout of Qatar in the last window of the World Cup Qualifiers in February 2019 in Doha.

“It’s a great honor, a great privilege to play for Gilas once again,” said the three-time UAAP finals MVP, who’s among the top prospects in the Gilas program for the 2023 World Cup.