Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
What a difference a year makes.
Thirdy Ravena was at his worst in the UAAP Season 79 Finals with the second-generation star folding under pressure as Ateneo settled for a runner-up finish.
But after all the criticisms, there’s no other way for the 6-foot-2 swingman but to bounce back.
Fast forward to the Season 80 Finals. Ateneo-La Salle faced once again and Ravena was given a chance to redeem himself.
The 20-year-old made sure he made his mark this time for the Blue Eagles, posting 16.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in the three grueling games in the championship series.
Showing his maturity he lacked the year prior, the third-year forward was the anchor for Ateneo as it snapped its five year drought and delivered the school’s first title since Season 75.
It also wasn’t much of a surprise that Ravena’s biggest play of the season didn’t even see him put the ball through the hoop, but rather, be the one to orchestrate the play as he found an open Isaac Go at the right wing for the game-sealing triple with 24.7 seconds left that put his side up, 85-80.
“I’m determined to do whatever it takes to win this one,” said Ravena, who claimed his first title in the senior’s division.
Ravena, who was adjudged as the Finals MVP, also finally got out of his brother Kiefer’s shadow and earned the adulation of the whole Ateneo community.
“It’s just a surreal feeling, seeing the community support us through the season, its just a great feeling,” he said. “I know I’m tired, but seeing the community cheering us every single possession, every single minute of the game, it doesn’t matter how tired I am. I’m gonna give it all for them, all for God.”