Kiefer
Ravena reflects on the NBTC
by rick olivares
When Kiefer Ravena thinks of the
National Basketball Training Center, he thinks of opportunity.
There’s pressure when you’re the son
of basketball great Bong Ravena. And that’s one half of his folks because mom,
Mozzy, won a bunch of UAAP volleyball titles for UST. But Kiefer likes the
pressure and thrives in it.
However, the first thing that is
noticeable about the young basketball phenom is how he handles himself with
humility. “Aside from learning about values from my parents, that is something
I learned from the NBTC,” said Ravena who has won four straight tiles from high
school to college. “We are taught that sportsmanship is important and that we
have to conduct ourselves in a gentlemanly manner when on the basketball court.”
The young Ravena first took part in
the NBTC program in 2007 when he’d go to the Philsports Arena for training
outside his practices with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets.
“The training I got from the coaches
as well as coach Alex Compton in particular really helped me,” he gushed. “The
‘Chill Drill’ -- that was our last situational drill during practice -- was the
most fun and the most helpful. It’s definitely not ‘chill’ as it is a
high-intensity all-in-one drill where we work the baseline, dribble a lot, play
halfcourt then go in for a layup.”
“Kiefer is a smart kid who loves
getting better,” pointed out Compton. “Says a lot about what kind of player he
is to love the ‘Chill Drill.’”
“I said that the NBTC is an
opportunity, di ba? It is here where I also first met many of my teammates on
the youth national team. The NBTC opened doors for me and for many of my
teammates. The others are now playing for other college basketball teams – San Beda,
National University, La Salle, UP… It’s a good experience for all.”
When told that beginning this year,
the NBTC will hold it’s first ever Seaoil All-Star High School Games where the
best seniors from all over the country figure in an exhibition match akin to the
McDonald’s All-American, Ravena frowned. “Ang daya!” he exclaimed. “Why wasn’t
there one during my time?”
“But that’s good because it gives more
exposure to deserving players. And that is what the NBTC is all about.”
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After Game 3 of the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Kiefer Ravena had a conversation with Talk 'N Text guard Jimmy Alapag along Katipunan Avenue and the pro player told him to take care of his body and to avoid burnout. "That was very good advice and coming from a great player like Jimmy, I have to pay attention. I've been playing a lot of basketball so I am also worried about wear and tear. My parents always remind me of that. It is something I am conscious of."
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After Game 3 of the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Kiefer Ravena had a conversation with Talk 'N Text guard Jimmy Alapag along Katipunan Avenue and the pro player told him to take care of his body and to avoid burnout. "That was very good advice and coming from a great player like Jimmy, I have to pay attention. I've been playing a lot of basketball so I am also worried about wear and tear. My parents always remind me of that. It is something I am conscious of."
great kid.... his uncle Randy was a batch of mine in San Agustin in iloilo he was a good player too.. nasa dugo na nila ata ang basketball talaga ...dati pa... Cheers keifer!
ReplyDeletehi dzuls! I would like to ask did his father, Bong Ravena spend his two years of college at San Agustin in Iloilo? Thanks!
Deleteis NBTC open for all ages?
ReplyDelete