MANILA – Former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star Thirdy Ravena is more than thrilled to team up with elder brother Kiefer for Gilas Pilipinas in their 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier game against Indonesia on Sunday.
Thirdy was among the final additions in the 12-man roster announced by Gilas head coach Mark Dickel on Wednesday evening.
He is playing alongside Kiefer for the first time since their UAAP days.
“Actually it came from my mom (Mozzy Ravena) nga eh, ‘yung dream niya talaga makita kami sa national team magkasama,” Thirdy said in an interview with SPIN.Ph.
He added: “Sinabi niya before na napapanood niya maglaro si Marc and Pau Gasol noon sa Spain. Naalala ko sabi niya, ‘What a dream pag magkasama kayo sa national team ‘no?’”
Thirdy said this is only the beginning of their new journey as siblings and as members of the national team.
“We have to do our job. It’s an honor and it’s a big responsibility at the same time. It only begins here,” said the three-time UAAP Finals MVP. “We have to enjoy this and help each other out…It’s more of cherishing the moment.”
The 22-year-old guard also said he sees Kiefer, who was named the national squad’s team captain, as a mentor aside from being his brother.
“Malaking responsibility talaga kasi ‘yung kapatid ko para na rin siyang coach, para na rin siyang tatay ko eh. Kahit nasa court, tinuturuan niya pa rin ako. We still have a lot to work on individually, as a team, and as siblings,” Thirdy said./PN
