HS star Ravena decides to play for Blue Eagles

The long wait is over. Kiefer Ravena, easily the biggest name in local high school basketball today, has decided to stay in Ateneo and play for the Blue Eagles in the coming UAAP men's basketball tournament. This was confirmed to GMANews.TV by Kiefer's father, former PBA star and now Talk 'N Text assistant team manager Bong Ravena. "It's confirmed. Kiefer wants to stay with Ateneo," said Ravena in a text message. “Actually, decided na naman siya as early as this month, but we have to process everything pa kaya medyo natagalan."

The younger Ravena had earlier wanted to pursue plans of playing college basketball in the United States, but decided to stay in Ateneo after not getting any solid offers from a Division I school in the US. “There was no offer. If not for a school with a good program in the US, he might as well stay here in Ateneo as this school has one of the best programs if not the best in the Philippines. We intend to join a basketball camp in Los Angeles and also the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball, but we informed them that we’re staying in Ateneo." Ravena is one of the most sought-after players from high school. He led the Ateneo Eaglets to a Grand Slam championship last year, a fitting way to end his high school career. He averaged 20 points, 5.2 assists and close to three steals per game in his final year in the juniors division. As an incoming freshman, the second-generation player was being wooed by other schools, but when he decided to stay in the country, the former national youth team standout chose the school closest to his heart — Ateneo. “He told me before that if he doesn’t pursue his plans of playing in the US, he will stay with Ateneo," said Ateneo athletic director Ricky Palou. Ateneo coach Norman Black welcomed Ravena's entry to the varsity team, saying that his inclusion will ensure that the Eagles will stay competitive in the next five years. “He’s a talented player, a young talent who could bring a great mix to our veterans. Obviously, our goal right now is to win our fourth straight championship, and I expect Kiefer to play a key role," added Black. Kiefer to join Gilas in PBA? The name of Ravena and another high school standout, Baser Amer of San Beda, also recently cropped up as possible key additions to the Smart Gilas national developmental team of coach Rajko Toroman. And with Smart Gilas likely to be accepted as the 10th member in the PBA’s second conference, which starts next month, Ravena and Amer might get a shot at history as the only players since Terry Saldaña to play in the pro league straight from high school. Saldaña was taken in by the Toyota Corollas as their top rookie in 1982. At 6-foot-3, the teenager was already playing in several commercial leagues like MICAA, Interclub and National Seniors, while suiting up for the multi-titled APCOR squad of coaching great Turo Valenzona and the Letran Squires in the NCAA. “Terry (Saldaña) was a cinch to win the PBA Rookie of the Year award in 1982 until he got involved in a free-for-all during the game between Toyota and South Korea in the Invitationals. In the star-studded APCOR squad, he was also a good player, but he had to share minutes with Yoyoy Villamin and Rey Lazaro," said basketball historian Jay P. Mercado, also a business development manager of a popular fast-food chain. Ravena and Amer could enter the PBA's history books once Smart Gilas’ and their participation is approved, but whether they will be allowed by the UAAP and the NCAA to compete is another matter. “Mahigpit rin kasi sa Ateneo. Gusto nila talaga yung mga athletes, nag-aaral. Aside from that, marami rin silang sasalihang tournaments this summer, like the Fr. Martin’s Cup, Filoil Flying-V and Nike Summer League," said the elder Ravena. “Of course, it’s an honor. To know that Boss Ricky (Vargas) expressed intentions of including Kiefer in Smart Gilas for the PBA campaign is indeed an honor." PBA commissioner Atty. Chito Salud sees no problem with Smart Gilas bringing in high school standouts Ravena and Amer. "Once the board of governors and team owners decide to approve Gilas' participation, it means we have to accept also whoever is included in the line-up," Salud said in a telephone interview. "And I'm, confident the SBP people would resolve whatever conflict these two players have with their college teams in general to bring them to the PBA." - KY, GMANews.TV