Kiefer Ravena gets Smart MVP plum from UAAP-NCAA scribes

MANILA, Philippines—He’s often honored for his immense cage talent, but even off court, Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena makes a good impression.

Ravena will receive the Smart MVP award in the Collegiate Basketball Awards as the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps recognizes not only his cage exploits but also his other inspiring contributions.

The awards night, where Ravena will also receive the Collegiate Mythical Team plum, is set this Saturday at the Gateway Suites in Araneta Center, Cubao.

Ravena, the UAAP Rookie of the Year and Mythical Team member, recently spearheaded a fundraiser that gathered varsity stars and showbiz celebrities for a one-game exhibition.

Proceeds of the charity game, which raised a sizable amount, were given to the victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong” in Cagayan de Oro.

“It’s good to win, but it also feels good to help,” said the 18-year-old Ravena.

Ravena, a member of the national under-16 and under-18 teams, again donned the country’s colors as the youngest member of the Sinag Pilipinas team that bagged the championship of 2011 Southeast Asian Games.

Joining Ravena in the Collegiate Mythical Team are NCAA MVP Calvin Abueva of San Sebastian, UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks of National University, Ateneo’s Greg Slaughter and San Beda’s Garvo Lanete.

Ateneo tactician Norman Black (UAAP Coach of the Year) and San Beda mentor Frankie Lim (NCAA Coach of the Year) will also receive recognition in the event organized by scribes from major print and online publications and Smart.

Other awardees are Ateneo’s Nico Salva and San Beda’s Dave Marcelo (Pivotal Players), Far Eastern University’s RR Garcia (Court General) and Aldrech Ramos (Mr. Efficiency), San Sebastian’s Ronald Pascual (Impact Player) and Ian Sangalang (Mr. Efficiency), Ateneo’s Emman Monfort (Maynilad Super Senior) and Kirk Long (Defensive Stopper) and Letran’s Kevin Alas (Energy Player).