Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With Thirdy Ravena finally coming into his own for Ateneo on Wednesday, Blue Eagles consultant Tab Baldwin wants more consistency from the returning raptor.
Ravena finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, both collegiate career-highs, in the Blue Eagles’ 79-64 win over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament held at Mall of Asia Arena.
It was just Ravena’s third double-digit scoring game of the season, following two performances where he scored just a combined 10 points.
Baldwin said his wingman’s solid play could payoff for Ateneo in the long run.
“Today he played with composure, that’s what we are striving for with him,” said Baldwin. “Now we want to see consistency. I think if we do, we will have solid outings.”
Baldwin also came to the defense of Ravena, who had an underwhelming UAAP debut and missed Season 78 due to academic deficiencies.
“I think most expectations are foolish, most of it comes from the lack of intellect with regards to the subject,” said Baldwin. “People don’t know Thirdy personally, they don’t know what to expect of Thirdy. He is just learning the game and understanding our system.”