Ravena in no hurry to turn pro

UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena’s talent in basketball was already evident as early as his grade school days at La Salle Green Hills.

Ravena   got his first championship trophy even before he graduated from the elementary grades.

The firstborn of former pro Bong and former volleyball player Mozzy, Ravena was a member of the LSGH team that won the Small Basketeers (SBP) title over 10 years ago.

Even at such an early age, Ravena’s basketball savvy didn’t go unnoticed and   soon after his SBP stint, he received an offer to   play for (and study) at Ateneo where he finished grade school and high school.

At the end of this school year, Ravena hopes to get a diploma in BS communications technology while still having one more year to play in the UAAP.

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Ravena, 20, said he wants to continue playing in the UAAP and is in no hurry to move up to the pros.

“I played two years under coach Norman Black and another two under Bo Perasol,” said Ravena.

He explained that the Blue Eagles did not perform too well last season because the players were plagued with injuries, including himself. He credits their resurgence this year to good health, not to mention the camps and clinics the team attended in the United States and Japan.

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Both Black and Perasol speak very highly of Ravena.

“Although Kiefer gets major help from his teammates, he takes it upon himself to show the team the “can do” attitude which is   vital in every campaign,” said Perasol.

“It is his most valuable contribution to the psyche of our team. When the chips are down, a team needs a catalyst to bring everybody back to the fight.

Of course, the other experts believe the young Ravena is a complete package. They say he can do almost everything on court—shoot from long range, drive, pass, good in both offense and defense.

And how is he as a son?

“Very normal,” Mozzy said. “He’s obedient and very thoughtful, likes simple pleasures like staying home and being with his family. He is also very makulit.”