Young Phenom
MANILA, Philippines - At only 17 years old, he has already exhibited a high level of time management, enabling him to handle numerous tasks at ease. But what kind of teenager could possibly possess one of the world’s most important skills so early, you might ask. That would be the one and only Kiefer Isaac Ravena.
You might have heard about his legendary exploits on the basketball court: the multiple championships, buzzer-beating baskets, momentum-changing defensive stops and timely assists. The kid’s got it all. He plays the game like a wily veteran, mature beyond his years. But what makes this even more remarkable is that his maturity goes far beyond the hardcourt.
It was exactly four o’clock in the afternoon when the Ateneo’s prized rookie made his way inside the Moro Lorenzo Sports Complex. He arrived 30 minutes early for practice, which usually begins with a weight room session followed by three hours on the basketball court with their multi-titled coach, Norman Black. Kiefer sat down on a bench and yawned. The BS Communications Technology Management student had just finished attending five classes that Wednesday.
“(I’ve been) in school since 7:30 a.m.,” he said, still managing a smile.
Before he made his much-awaited decision to attend Ateneo De Manila University for college, Kiefer understood the situation he was getting himself into. Armed with the discipline to be able to withstand the heavy demands of being a student-athlete in one of the most prestigious universities in the country, Kiefer was confident that he could face the challenge head on. After all, he was taught well by his parents.
Kiefer was born in Manila on October 27, 1993. He was the firstborn child of two former athletes, Bong and Mozzy Ravena. Bong had a successful basketball career in the PBA while Mozzy once played volleyball for the University of Santo Tomas. Despite having parents who were both accomplished in the field of sports, Kiefer says that they gave him the freedom to choose his own path in life. However, it came as no surprise that he still ended up playing basketball. Even his younger brother, Thirdy (14) plays the game and is part of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets as a sophomore in high school, while his sister, Dani (11) is into volleyball at St. Paul College, Pasig. It seems inevitable that the Ravena siblings will eventually follow in the footsteps of their proud parents.
At only four years of age, Kiefer began his love story with the game by attending basketball camps before playing competitively at the age of eight for La Salle Green Hills. However, all that changed upon being offered a scholarship to play for the Ateneo. Realizing that this was a rare opportunity, Kiefer immediately accepted the transfer before the sixth grade, giving him the opportunity to graduate from grade school as a student of the Loyola Heights campus.
In high school, Kiefer made a lot of noise throughout his four years as an Ateneo Blue Eaglet as he led the Jamike Jarin-mentored squad to three UAAP Juniors titles. Along the way, the young basketball prodigy also willingly offered his talents to the RP Youth National Team. It was during this time that Filipino hoop fans began identifying him as the future of Philippine basketball.
Now 6 feet tall and a member of the three-time reigning UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, Kiefer still never fails to recognize his parents as the ones responsible for shaping his character.
“Without their guidance, I wouldn’t be here. Kung saan man yung narating ko ngayon tsaka yung gusto kong marating, hindi ko magagawa yun kung wala sila,” he swore.
With all these blessings, one might be misled to think that the rest of Kiefer’s life is already set, that basketball is his ticket to fame and fortune. But Kiefer himself will be the first to say that his number one priority is to finish his education.
“Basketball is not permanent. There will come a time when I will have to take off my shoes and step away from the basketball court.”
He envisions himself as a future business owner and like his idol, Kobe Bryant, who never shies away from a golden opportunity, might even start a business as a student, if given the chance. And with his dedication to success, work ethic and humility, it’s hard to imagine Kiefer failing.
This UAAP season, Kiefer and the Blue Eagles have their sights set on capturing a historic fourth-straight championship, a feat only UST and La Salle have been able to achieve in the past 73 years of the league’s existence. The young phenom’s eyes lit up at the mention of this historic fact.
“There’s no problem in rewriting history. We’re hungry. We want it,” he said with conviction.
Practice was about to begin. Kiefer opened his gym bag to pull out his new Nikes. He already had a long day, but it wasn’t over yet. Knowing Kiefer, he successfully managed to make it through to the end. Like all the goals he has accomplished throughout his life, it’s only a matter of time.
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Anton Roxas is one of the youngest sports anchors in the Philippines, covering basketball, boxing, volleyball and billiards for ABS-CBN Sports. It is his passion to share the stories of our beloved Filipino athletes who strive every single day to live their dreams and bring honor to our country.
