INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines – Die-hard PBA fans would undoubtedly be reminded of his dad if they see Kiefer Ravena play.

Kiefer has the same array moves his dad Bong used to have when he was playing for the Purefoods (and later on, Mobiline) - a two-guard who can penetrate and likewise shoot from the perimeter.

The younger Ravena acknowledges the pressure of being the son of a former professional basketball player. But he is slowly carving his own name as the go-to guy for defending champion Ateneo in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament.

In their recent game against rival La Salle Zobel, Ravena shot crucial free throws in the final minutes to lift Ateneo to an 84-78 win, and handing the Baby Archers their first loss after winning seven straight games.

"There will always be comparison between us but I tend to just play my game. Some would say that my dad is better than me but my dad will just laugh and tell me 'See, I'm better?'," said the younger Ravena,currently averaging around 20 points per game.

Although the elder Ravena has years of experience playing ball - and now an assistant coach to Talk and Text in the PBA- the 15 year-old Eaglet said his dad has taught him to always listen to his coach.

"But of course, I have post game analysis (of my games) with him he will tell me what to keep doing and what to avoid in the next games," he said, adding that Sunday is always quality time for the Ravenas.

Ateneo head coach Jamike Jarin, meanwhile, also took note of Ravena's leadership qualities and acknowledged his dependability when they need to step up on offense.

Now on his junior year, Ravena sees himself a few years from now taking up a course in business while playing for Ateneo.He is also part of the RP Youth developmental squad.

"Right now, I'm just focused on leading the team and try to balance school, UAAP and being part of the RP youth team," said Ravena, who said he listens to music to relax himself before every game.