After World Cup experience, Kiefer continues to learn -- this time from UAAP

MANILA, Philippines – Former Ateneo de Manila University star Kiefer Ravena returned to the UAAP on Sunday, as he served as the analyst for the Season 82 game between University of Santo Tomas (UST) and National University (NU) at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was a new challenge for Ravena, especially as the game proved to be a thrilling one. The Growling Tigers and the Bulldogs dragged each other to overtime, with UST eventually coming away with an 87-74 victory.

"Good treat for everybody," said Ravena, a two-time Most Valuable Player and two-time champion. "Exciting, it was an exciting game. And UST really showed a lot of composure especially noong overtime."

For Ravena, the experience of calling a game, instead of playing it, was a different one. He admitted to holding back a little, partly due to his own excitement.

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"Minsan, may gusto kang sabihin pero hindi mo pwedeng sabihin," he said.

"Parang, 'hayop na tira 'yun!' Alam mo, 'yung ganoon," Ravena explained. "So, 'di mo maiwasan, 'di mo maano, heat of the moment."

"Kaya minsan, ang tagal ko nagpo-pause sa air kasi may mga gusto akong sabihin pero oops, bawal pala sabihin."

Ravena drew great reviews from his on-air partner, ABS-CBN Sports' Anton Roxas.

"Just when we thought we've seen it all from Kiefer Ravena, he returns to where it all began for him, to give us more," Roxas said in an Instagram post. "Welcome back to the UAAP and it is an honor to have you here with us as the newest member of the ABS-CBN Sports broadcast team."

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A post shared by Anton Roxas (@antonroxas) on Sep 15, 2019 at 2:58am PDT

The NLEX guard, for his part, was elated with the experience.

"Nag-enjoy naman ako, so hopefully nagawa ko 'yung trabaho ko for the people," he said.

Moreover, the experience was an informative one for Ravena. He had returned to Manila just last week after competing with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and observing the college game was another step in his basketball education.

"I guess for me learning never stops," said Ravena.

"I just saw how the world (basketball) is played now," he added. "You get back to see how the college game is now played. So you incorporate a lot of things. "

Ravena saw plenty in the UST-NU game, which featured heroics from players like Rhenz Abando, Soulemane Chabi Yo, Enzo Joson, and Dave and Shaun Ildefonso. He also watched Saturday's game between his alma mater, Ateneo, and Far Eastern University, and was treated to a strong performance by younger brother Thirdy.

"Ibang klase na rin ang mga college kids ngayon. Very athletic, very talented. The kuyas are just waiting for them in the pros," he said.

For now, he wants to learn from them first, and see if he can add their tricks to his arsenal. Ravena will finally play in the PBA again in the 2019 PBA Governors' Cup, after sitting out the past year and a half due to his suspension for banned substances.

"Even though nasa pro ka na, (learning) never stops talaga. So, incorporate a few things here, try sa practices, sa games. So hopefully, it works out," he said.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.