Ravena joins Jordan family

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX ace guard Kiefer Ravena has signed with the Jordan Brand, becoming the first Filipino athlete in an elite circle that includes NBA superstars Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson.

“It’s an honor for me to be part of this basketball family. I’m both thankful and excited to be the first Filipino to be a member of the Jordan Brand,” said the 27-year-old PBA cager after the historic deal announced yesterday.

The iconic sneaker line by basketball legend Michael Jordan recognized Ravena’s passion and love for the game.

“We’re inspired by Manila’s basketball culture and are thrilled to welcome our first Filipino athlete to the Jordan family,” said Jordan Brand president Craig Williams.

“Basketball has a powerful influence on youth culture around the globe, and Kiefer can inspire future generations of ballers to make an impact in their hometowns and beyond,” he added.

Ravena, an avid Jordan fan and whose first pair of basketball sneakers was a Jordan 9s, is currently the leader of the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA and one of the faces of Asia’s oldest professional league.

He was the second overall pick in the 2017 PBA Draft after a developmental stint with Texas Legends in the NBA G League and a decorated UAAP career highlighted by multiple championships and MVP awards.

The Gilas Pilipinas veteran is also the only five-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games basketball history on top of solid stints in the FIBA 5-on-5 and 3x3 competitions.