By Waylon Galvez
DOHA, Qatar – Gilas Pilipinas rookie Thirdy Ravena had a feeling of disbelief and excitement when he made it to the final 12-man roster of the national team that will face Qatar this Thursday night in the sixth and last window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers at the Al Gharafa Sports Club Multi Purpose Hall here.
The 6-foot-2 Ravena is the only college player in the national team training pool, although the way he’s been performing in practice sessions, the coaching staff led by Yeng Guiao is impressed with the stalwart from back-to-back UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Because of the injury of Raymond Almazan and with Roger Pogoy still serving his last suspension from a five-game ban handed by FIBA, it was easy for Guiao to name his final 12 that included Ravena.
The reigning two-time UAAP finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) considers it a dream come through.
“Sobrang shock pa din ako,” said Ravena. (I’m still in shock.) “At the same time kailangan kong maging focused mentally and physically.” (At the same time, I need to be focused mentally and physically.)
“Just like what I say all the time it’s a great honor and great responsibility to play for the country. As a basketball player, I think that’s the highest level that you can get, to represent the country,” he added.
Ravena said that he will give his best once given a chance to play against Qatar, an important game for the Philippines to win to improve its chances to make it to the FIBA World Cup in China.
After this game, the national team will face Kazakhstan in Astana on Sunday.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga coaches sa trust na binigay nila sa akin,” said Ravena. (“I’m thankful to the trust given to me by the coaches.) “But now that we’re here, the best we can do is prepare really well because we’ll play two games crucial games.”