Thirdy carves own niche

MANILA, Philippines — Bong Ravena, Mozzy Ravena and Kiefer Ravena are the first names that usually go over someone’s mind when the popular surname pops out in a sports conversation.

The patriarch Bong is a former UE stalwart then pro star now serving as head coach in the country’s premier pro league, the mother Mozzy is a former volleyball player with UST while their eldest son Kiefer has risen from being a UAAP great to one of the rising stars in the PBA.

But Thirdy, as deserving as he is, made sure to come out of those giant shadows with an emphatic feat that Bong, Mozzy, Kiefer and even other players have never achieved in their collegiate careers.

On his last playing year with Ateneo, Ravena unleashed a fitting, grandiose swan song by leading the Eagles to a historic 16-0 season sweep for their third straight and 11th overall UAAP title after a close 86-79 win over Santo Tomas Wednesday.

Then there’s his unprecedented third straight UAAP Finals MVP award.

“For me, it’s not even about the accomplishments but it’s about trying to work at something and not trying to work to be like someone. I am just trying to be the best version of me,” said Thirdy who normed 24.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the Eagles’ 2-0 sweep of the Tigers.

Upon his Ateneo seniors team entry in 2014, the ex- UAAP Juniors MVP was a shell of his present self, cast behind his elder brother’s shadow who was then named Season 77 MVP before winning another one the following year.

But there’s not stopping Thirdy from emerging as his own self.

“I took myself out of my brother’s shadow not just this year but ever since Coach Tab came in. He told me that the biggest pressure was shouldn’t be trying to be like your brother or your father but the biggest pressure should be coming from yourself in trying to be the best player I can possibly be,” he said.

Thirdy did just that. And he’s looking forward to the next chapter of his playing career – joining brother Kiefer in pro play.