UAAP 77 MVP Ravena ready to heed Gilas call

MANILA, Philippines – After copping his milestone MVP plum in UAAP Season 77, Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo expressed willingness to serve the national team, be it Gilas Pilipinas or its cadet squad, even as he declared his intention to play one last time and help the Blue Eagles reclaim lost glory next season.

Ravena is among the young turks in the wish list of coach Chot Reyes who has said it was time to rethink the future composition of the Phl five and infuse fresh blood.

“Kapag kinuha ako (If they ask me to), I’ll be open to it, most definitely. It will be another challenge for me to compete with the best collegiate players. I'd be open to it, I won’t think twice about joining the Gilas team,” said Ravena, who had played for the Sinag Pilipinas quintet that won the SEA Games gold in 2011 and 2013.

The 6-foot Ateneo star won his maiden MVP accolade after a sterling performance that led the Eagles to the top spot at the end of the elims. However, the Eagles lost twice to No. 4 National U and bombed out of the championship picture, making it a bitter-sweet season for Ravena.

“It’s special being my first ever MVP but I would have wanted to play in the finals. Still, it’s a good blessing,” he said, thanking God, his parents, friends, alumni, management and chief backer Manny V. Pangilinan. "This is a symbolism of each and every one of us working hard."

Ravena assured the Ateneo community that he will be back in the blue and white uniform for his fifth year, determined more than ever to bring them back to the top.

“Nag-declare na ako na maglalaro uli ako (I have declared that I will return) next year so I’ll still take my talents to Katipunan,” he said. “I have one more year to play and sana manalo na, yun ang ultimate goal ko (my goal is to win the title). I want to leave Ateneo on a very high note."

While Ateneo has yet to resume practice, Ravena said he got permission to join PBA team Talk n Text in its conditioning sessions and workouts “to improve myself.”

Ravena, who logged league-best averages of 21.2 points and 5.6 assists, was joined in the Mythical Five by teammate Chris Newsome, La Salle’s Jeron Teng, Santo Tomas’ Karim Abdul, and Far Eastern’s Mac Belo. Eagle Arvin Tolentino was adjudged Rookie of the Year.

Afril Bernardino of unbeaten women’s champ NU Lady Bulldogs was feted as the MVP in the distaff side. Bernardino towed teammates Shelley Gupilan and Gemma Miranda, Ateneo’s Danica Jose and UST’s Lore Rivera in the Mythical 5.