Gilas Pilipinas Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas recently named their 12-man roster for their upcoming game against Qatar on February 21 (Feb 22, 12 midnight Manila Time) in the sixth window of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Naturalized big man Andray Blatche headlines the list, along with mainstays Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, Jayson Castro, and Troy Rosario. Completing the cast are Marcio Lassiter, Poy Erram, Scottie Thompson, Mark Barroca, Raymond Almazan, and Ateneo Blue Eagle Thirdy Ravena, the only amateur player to make the last cut.

Initially surprised when he was named part of the 14-man pool for the final window of the qualifiers, the 22-year-old wing man said he has been blending well with the more senior members.

“Noong una akong tinext na isasama ako sa line-up, star-struck ako noong pumunta ako sa practice kasi nakikita ko na sila, dati napapanood ko lang sila,” Ravena said via Qabayan FM.

While it is Ravena’s first official game in the FIBA senior level, the 6-foot-3 Blue Eagle has always represented the Philippines in various international tounaments including 3×3 and Asian under-18 championships.

“It’s slowly getting there. Medyo nagulat pa ako sa una kong pasok dito but through the help of my teammates and coaching staff, lagi nila akong gina-guide through everything, kung ano mga offensive schemes, defensive schemes, they make it easy for me to adjust sa style of play,” he added.

Ravena did not have any expectations during training camp, even mentioning how he plans to help his teammates through inflicting energy in the nationals’ practice sessions.

But with Roger Pogoy still serving a one-game suspension for his role in the infamous Gilas-Australia brawl last year, Ravena will have big shoes to fill in the three position where he is expected to back up Norwood, Rosario, and Lassiter.

“I guess the best way to ease up that pressure is through preparation. Right now, I am doing the best I can to fulfill that job of being prepared for whatever coach Yeng assigns me to, whether it’s playing in the game or helping my teammates out in training,” Ravena said.

“I will do it to the best of my ability. In that way, I am also helping the country. As a young player with a lot of energy, I will just do things to make everyone around me better.”

Unfortunately, Ravena won’t be joined by his elder brother Kiefer, as the latter is still ineligible for FIBA tournaments following an 18-month suspension.

Kiefer did give a piece of advice for his younger brother who will be gearing up for one of the most important stretches of Philippine basketball.

“Just play my game. That’s his best advice for me,” Thirdy shared. “Sinasabi nila they got me here for a specific reason and I don’t have to do anything outside of that reason. So just play your game and don’t put too much pressure.”

Whether it’s playing a huge chunk of minutes or doing what he can from the sidelines, Ravena is ready to contribute in every possible way to help Gilas’ cause.

“Now that I am here sa Qatar, responsibility na talaga siya na ibigay ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko para makatulong. Hindi naman kailangan nasa laro ako para makatulong sa mga kuya ko, sa training lang, binibigay ko lang yung energy, kahit ano ipagawa sa akin ng coaches,” he said.

By Levi Verora, Jr.

Photo above from https://www.instagram.com/3rd_e/