Ravena says opening UAAP season vs FEU a ‘good test’ for Ateneo

Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Ateneo guard Kiefer Ravena believes Far Eastern University is one of the most formidable teams in the coming 78th Season of the UAAP which opens on Sept. 5 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles and the Tamaraws, who came just a win shy from winning the championship last year, clash right away on Sept. 6 at Mall of Asia Arena and Ravena sees the duel as a great opportunity to know where his team is at.

“FEU is one of the toughest teams this coming season and I think playing them in the first game of the season will be a good gauge to see where we are,” Ravena told INQUIRER.net during the launch of his reality show with volleyball star and fellow Atenean Alyssa Valdez. “It will be good to test ourselves if we can compete with the big teams come UAAP.”

READ: Ravena, Valdez to star in reality online show ‘Phenoms’

The Eagles soared to the top of the standings last season but took an early exit in the Final Four after getting booted out by eventual champions National University Bulldogs.

Ravena said the team is taking “positive steps” in practice and with exactly 24 days left before Ateneo plunges into action, the Blue Eagles are making every training session count.

“We’re making the most of the time that we have since it’s less than 25 days before the UAAP.”

The 21-year-old Ravena will be playing in his final year, and knowing that drives him most to be at his best.

READ: UP vs UE, Adamson vs UST open UAAP season 78 on Sept. 5

“I think it’s enough motivation for all the seniors like Mac, Gelo and Kevin that it is your final year to give it your best. So we’ll be fighting for it. It’s gonna be tough, it’s gonna be fun and it’s going to be memorable for each and everyone of us,” he said.

It’s championship or bust for Ravena and Ateneo but the immediate goal for the Eagles is a top two finish.

“Short term goal is to finish in the top two and get that twice-to-beat advantage coming into the Final Four which is another goal.” CFC