Thirdy Ravena won his first SEA Games gold medal in Thailand, atoning for his silver finish in Hanoi in 2022.
Thirdy Ravena and Gilas Pilipinas anticipated some questionable calls that could easily blow one’s top in a highly charged SEA Games 2025 finals against host Thailand.
Hard as he tried to just shrug those off and focus on the job the entire time, Ravena admitted there were times those bothered him.
“It was hard to control myself,” Ravena said after Gilas’ hard-earned 70-64 gold-clinching win over the Thais at the Nimibutr Stadium.
“Coming in, we knew na magkakaroon ng mga calls in their favor. A lot of calls, actually."
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Ultimately, the Nationals remained patient for most of the way as they overcame another sluggish start to snatch the win and the gold from Thailand.
“Our main focus was to do what we have to do, to follow the game plan and win it for the team,” said Ravena, who finished with five points, three rebounds and two assists.
The younger brother of former national team member Kiefer was also part of the Gilas squad which bowed to Indonesia in Hanoi four years ago.
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Now, Ravena was able to atone for that forgettable loss and help Gilas Pilipinas retain the gold in Thailand.
“Kasi in a championship game, hindi importante 'yong score. Ang importante, magawa ninyo 'yong trabaho ninyo. For us, it's the most important part, and that’s what we did.”
(With reports from Chiqui-Roa-Puno/Cignal)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.