Much was expected on Kiefer Ravena when he entered the PBA.
The second generation player is bringing with him an impressive resume boasts of personal and team achievements.
As a player, Ravena is known to be a winner, having won championships as member of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets then later on continued his success in the collegiate level as a stalwart of the Blue Eagles squad.
In the international level, the son of former PBA Rookie of the Year and ex-Most Improved Player awardee Bong Ravena has won multiple gold medals in the SEABA age group and men championships and the Southeast Asian Games and ably represented the Gilas Pilipinas squad in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.
As a commercial player, Ravena’s winning reputation was also reestablished, having won multiple titles with the NLEX Road Warriors when the squad was still competing in the PBA D-League.
Individually, Ravena has built a reputation as a take charge guy. He’s one player who loves to perform when winning a game is on the line.
Unlike his dad, who has become more of a stopper and facilitator, Ravena has done both as a leader and go-to-guy and in his young PBA career, the man known as The Phenom didn’t shy away from doing that with the Road Warriors.
Ravena’s finest moment yet happened against the Meralco Bolts Friday night as he scored the game-winning, turn around, fall away jumper that sent the Road Warriors to their fourth win in eight outings.
Head coach Yeng Guiao had no doubts calling the last play for the rookie sensation who has done great things for the Road Warriors at this early part of his career. Although his prized recruit is still a newcomer, he believes the spitfire guard has the mentality of a 10-year veteran.
Ravena has created huge impact this early and he has just started.
The more games he’ll play, this good player can become great sooner than expected.
Truly, Ravena, in just his first season, has quickly become the face of the NLEX franchise.
Rey Joble has been covering the PBA games for more than a decade. He is a member of the PBA Press Corps and Philippine Sportswriters Association.
