Ravena son caps stint with finals MVP award

MANILA, Philippines - While Ateneo’s star player Kiefer Ravena basks in the limelight, winning the Finals MVP plum and a three-peat for his team, ex-pro Bong Ravena teems with pride for his son’s achievements.

“I’m very proud he made it. I’m very happy that he finished his high school with a three-peat,” said Bong, who never actually tasted such success as a varsity player back in Iloilo or even during his years with the University of the East from 1988-91.

The young Ravena drilled in 24 points, scoring on an array of jumpers and high-flying moves reminiscent of his father’s, along with five rebounds, three assists and three steals to lead Ateneo to a title-clinching 76-59 win over University of Santo Tomas yesterday.

His brilliance the entire championship series (26.7 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg, 2.7 spg) earned for the 5-11 spitfire the Finals MVP award, actually his second after towing the Eaglets to back-to-back titles last year.

“I hope he achieves more than I did,” said Bong.

The 16-year-old Kiefer is now among the most sought-after freshmen in next year’s seniors competitions.

Asked about which seniors team his son will play for, Bong said: “No school yet. Hopefully Ateneo.”

Even Kiefer wouldn’t name a school at this point.

“Haven’t made a choice yet. As of now, my concentration will be on the RP (youth) team and getting a respite from basketball,” Kiefer, who is set to follow the Nokia Pilipinas team competing in the Fiba Asia U-18 championship for men in Yemen, said in Filipino.