Keeping Kiefer

It is rare that a high school basketball player grabs as much attention as high school senior Kiefer Ravena. With all he has accomplished at such as young age as a member of the Philippine youth team and MVP of the multiple UAAP Juniors champion Ateneo Blue Eaglets, he has supposedly been the object of a tug-of-war among schools in the UAAP and even the NCAA. But it turns out to be just an assumption, one he and his family quickly dispel.

“We haven’t really had any formal talks with any schools,” admits Kiefer’s father, Talk n Text assistant coach Ferdinand “Bong” Ravena.

“He feels at home with Ateneo, and he’d like to stay there, if it’s possible. But we haven’t really sat down and discussed it yet. He still has so much to do first.”

So what’s at the top of the list of priorities for the younger Ravena?

“First, he has to pass fourth year,” Bong laughs. “He also missed a lot of school playing for the national team.”

Kiefer comes from a very strong sporting bloodline. His father was a former UE Red Warrior who played on the 1991 gold medal Southeast Asian Games team that propelled all of its players into the PBA. His mother Mozzy played for De La Salle’s volleyball team.

“I heard stories about my Dad growing up, and I’m lucky I was able to watch him play,” Kiefer recalls. “I used to watch him play. I told myself I wanted to copy the simple moves that surprised other players and would leave him open to attack the basket.”

Ravena had been on many scouts’ radar for years, and has a room full of hardware to prove it. But after a spectacular performance in the 2009 UAAP Juniors Finals, one of the things that really turned heads was his dropping 30 points on NCAA champion San Sebastian in a pre-season tournament earlier this year. After that, it seemed to be a string of prodigious performances and game-winners.

“I thought he would make a great coach later on,” Bong remembers.

“When he was very young, he would see defensive patterns and notice things that even I didn’t see. That’s when I realized he really had a talent for basketball.”

Despite all the praise and attention he has been getting, Kiefer knows to keep his feet on the ground. He will face bigger challenges in seniors competition, and tough rivals. His Mom watches most of his games here and abroad when his Dad’s working, but both keep his values strong.

“I tell him focus on your game, focus on your game,” said Ravena, whose trademark slashing, aerial play spoke loudest for him in over a decade in the PBA. “Don’t celebrate, don’t taunt. Just play the game and show respect.”

Kiefer knows the challenges that lie ahead, particularly since Ateneo is extremely strict with academics, whether you are an athlete or not.

But he expressing his gratitude for having parents who have prepared him for the road ahead.

“I’m lucky that when I’m about to go through, my Dad has been through,” he adds. “So he always talks to me about what I’m experiencing, and his having experienced it makes things easier.”

And with regards to the question most often asked him – which school he will play for in college, he keeps his cards close to his chest.

“My parents guide me and give me advice, but in the end, it’s going to be my decision, and they respect that,” Kiefer says.

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Those still interested in joining the Maskulino Pilipino National Bodybuilding Championship may call up Ringo Borlain through [email protected] or 0918-4869532 and 0917-5876602. It will be held on Nov. 20 at the Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.