Kiefer Ravena trains with Talk ‘N Text, open to playing for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – UAAP Season 77 is not over yet but Ateneo Blue Eagles star Kiefer Ravena is back on the grind already.

The newly minted Most Valuable Player said he is working on improving himself by joining the training of PBA team Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.

“I just practiced with TNT but it’s just to improve myself because we have the Unigames. Yun na pinaghahandaan namin,” Ravena, 20, said after he received his trophy and raked in plenty more special awards. (That’s what we’re preparing for now.) 

Ravena says he asked his father Bong Ravena, who is part of the Texters’ coaching staff, if he could join the team’s training as it prepares for the upcoming Philippine Cup to open the PBA’s 40th season. 

“Since wala pa kami practice I asked my dad if I could join their practice first. I was able to join their conditioning and workout,” he shared. 

Despite training with a pro team, Ravena assured he will be standing by his word of playing out his final year with Ateneo next year. 

“I’ll still take my talents to Katipunan,” he said in jest. 

Ravena admitted the loss to National University in the Final Four despite Ateneo holding the top seed and the twice-to-beat still hurts. 

But he is looking forward to the time off to recuperate and find out how to make the team better. He is also confident the Blue Eagles will bounce back next season.

“It’s gonna be a stronger team definitely next season. But now we have time to think about how to improve and we have time to give the rookies more exposure. We also have time to watch the game even when it hurts.”

Open to Gilas

Still a Gilas cadet, Ravena also declared he is open to suiting up for the national team once again if he should be called upon to do so.

“Pag kinuha nila ako I’ll be open to it,” he said. “I would be open most definitely. I won’t think twice of joining the Gilas team.” (If they get me I’ll be open to it.) 

Ravena last wore the national jersey during the Southeast Asian Games in 2013 for Sinag Pilipinas together with fellow college standouts Ray Parks and Kevin Ferrer as they brought home the gold medal. – Rappler.com