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Ravena shows glimpse of his future with Ateneo


Kiefer Ravena has been called many thing s— The Phenom, The Kid, the future of Philippine basketball — and he hasn't played a single UAAP game yet for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. There might be many monikers to come for Ravena as the 17-year-old scored 25 points and issued four assists including a timely alley-hoop pass that led to a Greg Slaughter jam that sealed their 90-87 win over San Beda in their opening match in the Fil-Oil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup on Saturday.

Ateneo's Kiefer Ravena (right) is fouled by San Beda's Melo Lim in their game in the Fil-Oil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup on Saturday. GMA News
Not bad for a guy who has only played his second collegiate game but already has a huge, expectations, load to carry. "Because it's San Beda, it's a big game for us. We just want to win the game thanks to our new recruit," said Ateneo coach Norman Black. "He just continues to develop. He just continues to amaze people with the way he plays basketball. He plays beyond his year." Ravena looks relieved that Ateneo won that big game against San Beda, last season's NCAA champion, in front of a big crowd. Ravena, in a Twitter account allegedly owned by him, said: "Finally got that monkey of my back.:) long ways to gooooo.:D thank you lord." In the postgame interview, Ravena admits that he feels the pressure of the high expectations and hype surrounding him. "May pressure ," said Ravena. "Hindi ko nga alam kung tama na maganda yung laro ko dahil baka maraming mag-expect."
Kiefer Ravena: The Phenom stays home There is no more doubt that Kiefer Ravena will play for Ateneo. Despite Kiefer announcing his decision a couple of months ago, some people were still left unconvinced until he donned the blue-and-white in competition. More
Ravena is still overwhelmed by the Ateneo community's support in their game against San Beda. "Sobrang overwhelming, dati ako ang nag-cheer sa kanila ngayon ako ang tsini-cheer," said Ravena. Ravena said that his teammates and coaches, including Black, has helped him adjust his game from the high school division to the collegiate level. "Kinakabahan talaga ako but thanks to coach Norman for giving me the opportunity to help the team win. My teammates, kahit veterans and everyone else, they are helping me. Dahil sa mga teammates ko tinulungan nila ako maka-adjust," Ravena said. The expectations could grow but behind of it, Ravena is rigorously preparing for the real deal — the UAAP as the Blue Eagles go for the fourth consecutive crown. "I just have to play as if it were my last. Hindi ko sinasayang ang oras dahil malapit na rin ang UAAP. Hindi imposible 'yung four-peat basta we have to prepared," he said. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News
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