Thirdy Ravena joins brother Kiefer, commits to Ateneo Blue Eagles

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles are keeping it in the family.

Reigning UAAP Juniors Most Valuable Player Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena will join his older brother, former Rookie of the Year Kiefer Ravena, in bolstering the ailing Eagles crew, revealed Thirdy via his Twitter account.

It’s official. Finally teammates with @kieferravena for the first time.

— Thirdy Ravena (@ThirdyRavenaaa) January 15, 2014

The Iloilo native Thirdy Ravena averaged 18.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 47.1% from the field last season for the Blue Eaglets, leading them to an 11-3 record and second place finish behind the National University Bullpups. 

The Blue Eagles are currently in a transitional phase following a lackluster Season 76 in 2013 where they missed the Final Four immediately after bagging the historic 5-peat title in 2012. The Eagles finished the season 7-7 for fifth place.

Taking to his Twitter account, Kiefer Ravena addressed comparisons to another sibling duo – Jeric Teng of University of Santo Tomas and Jeron Teng of De La Salle University – who engaged in a spirited rivalry in last year’s UAAP Finals.

“There’s no need for another sibling rivalry. They made history as rivals, time to make one our own as teammates. Welcome @ThirdyRavenaaa !,” tweeted the Ateneo senior.

There’s no need for another sibling rivalry. They made history as rivals, time to make one our own as teammates. Welcome @ThirdyRavenaaa !

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) January 15, 2014

This is just the latest rebuilding move by the Blue Eagles, who recently added former PBA great Ronnie Magsonac as an assistant coach to head coach Bo Perasol. Ravena joins NCAA Season 89 Juniors Championship Finals MVP Arvin Tolentino of San Beda, who committed to Ateneo earlier this week, according to veteran sportswriter Joaquin Henson. – Rappler.com