Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Thirdy Ravena is making up for lost time as he gets another chance to team up with his brother Kiefer, this time, as part the national team pool.
“At least, we’re given another shot to play with each other again,” he said in Filipino.
READ: Kiefer looks forward to possibility of playing with Thirdy at Gilas
Kiefer is a part of the seniors team which is preparing for the second leg of the 2019 Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers which begins against reigning Asian champion Australia on February 22 before hosting Japan back home on February 25.
Thirdy, meanwhile, has been included in coach Chot Reyes’ “23-for-23” cadet pool as his prospects for the formation of the Philippine team for the 2023 Fiba World Cup here.
READ: Kiefer ‘not surprised’ Thirdy made 23-for-23 list
The Ravenas were side-by-side in training once again on Monday as Reyes combined both squads at the resumption of the national team practices at Meralco Gym.
And for Thirdy, he couldn’t be happier to share the court with his older brother. The two last played together in UAAP Season 77 for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“I missed my last chance in Ateneo,” he said.
The 21-year-old forward lost his opportunity to play alongside Kiefer two years ago after being deemed ineligible due to academic deficiencies in UAAP Season 78 which was Kiefer’s final playing year for the Blue Eagles.
“I see it more as a bonus for me that I have a teammate who is my brother who can guide me more than what we practice and someone who can give me tips. It’s really a blessing that we’re both part of the pool,” said the UAAP Season 80 Finals MVP.
Heeding Kiefer’s words, Thirdy is well aware that nothing comes easy.
“It’s something I should work hard for. It’s also added inspiration, added motivation, to represent the country at the highest level of basketball because not everybody is given this chance,” he said. “I’m lucky and it’s an honor that the coaches and management picked me to be a part of this.”