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HS standout Ravena to announce playing plans


Will Kiefer Ravena stay in Ateneo or will the top high school prospect strut his wares in the United States? The $64,000 question will be answered this week by the player considered as the most sought-after from among the high school ranks. Ravena, also a former member of the Philippine Youth basketball squad, led the Ateneo Eaglets to a Grand Slam in the UAAP. In a text message to GMANews.TV, Bong Ravena, father of Kiefer, said his son will soon make an announcement to put an end to the suspense drama keenly awaited in local college hoops. “Kiefer will make the announcement this week," said the elder Ravena when asked whether or not his son has already made a commitment to play for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the coming UAAP season.

Kiefer Ravena (left) is considered as the next most important player in local college hoops. GMAnews.TV
“Everything is still in the process," added Ravena, also the assistant team manager of Talk N Text in the PBA. Ravena’s statement came on the heels of coach Chot Reyes’ post in his Twitter account, “And the Phenom stays home...u can relax now, blue die-hards..." Reyes was obviously referring to the younger Ravena, who is being awaited by the Ateneo community as its next most important player. Reyes even confirmed in a telephone interview that the one he’s referring to is indeed Ravena. “Who else, but him (Kiefer)," said Reyes, who added that he got the news from a very reliable source from Ateneo. Reyes is the head coach of the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, a team bankrolled by businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan. Pangilinan is also the prime backer of the Eagles in the UAAP, the San Beda Lions in the NCAA, and the Smart Gilas national developmental team. Ateneo athletic director Ricky Palou said Ravena has yet to sign a written commitment to play for the Eagles. But the long-time cage executive and former Blue Eagle is banking on the verbal commitment Kiefer had given to them several months ago. “There’s nothing in writing yet as far as commitment is concerned. Just a verbal commitment from him the last time we talked in October last year," said Palou. "From the start, he has always mentioned that if he stays in the Philippines, he will play for Ateneo." According to Palou, Kiefer has been working out with the Blue Eagles squad the past few days, while also spending time attending the practices of the Smart Gilas squad, to which he and another high school standout, Baser Amer of San Beda, were invited. Palou added that Ravena’s expected entry in the Eagles’ fold will be a welcome development, considering the fact that one of the team’s reliable guards — Eric Salamat — has already graduated. “He’s a very skillful player and he will be a big help in the team’s ambitious four-peat drive in the UAAP," said Palou. - KY, GMANews.TV
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