Kiefer Ravena described meeting Michael Jordan at Jordan Brand’s prestigious Board of Greatness event in Athens as a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience that left him motivated to elevate his game.
Kiefer Ravena never imagined he’d be face-to-face with his basketball idol.
But that dream turned into reality when the 31-year-old guard was invited to the exclusive “Board of Greatness” event organized by Jordan Brand in Athens, Greece.
“I actually got the invitation a couple of months back while I was still in Japan,” Ravena revealed during an interview on One News’ Play by Play. “Sinabi ko agad sa mom ko at sa wife ko na si Diana. Sabi ko, ‘Uy, tutulungan niyo ako kasi kailangan kong makakuha ng visa.’ Ayoko muna i-announce kasi baka hindi rin matuloy kung walang visa.”
When his visa was approved, excitement kicked in.
“Hindi ko talaga in-expect. I know the history of the event and what happens, pero hindi ko alam kung sino talaga ang andun. Kaya sobrang gulat ko when I saw the names.”
Among those names? Michael Jordan himself.
For Ravena, meeting the GOAT was a surreal moment, capped off by a shaky selfie.
“Medyo obvious naman doon sa picture na nanginginig ako. I think the picture says everything. Hindi ko pa mapindot yung selfie” he laughed.
“I was fortunate enough to meet the late great Kobe Bryant multiple times, but never in my lifetime I would expect that I would actually get a chance to meet Michael.”
But Jordan attending the Athens event was more than just a presence—he was engaged, and that impressed Ravena the most.
“People might be surprised at how hands-on he really is. I admire him even more now that I’ve been around him,” said the Japan B.League star.
Aside from MJ, Ravena connected with legends Carmelo Anthony, Rip Hamilton, and Mike Bibby, plus NBA stars Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, Bam Adebayo, Zion Williamson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Paolo Banchero.
[ALSO READ: Kiefer Ravena links up with Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura at star-studded Athens event]
Being around other elite athletes, Ravena, who recently signed a contract extension with the Yokohama B-Corsairs, shared that being in their presence renewed his sense of purpose.
“This event gives me more motivation knowing that I have the responsibility to represent a brand such as Jordan Brand. So you know, take that responsibility, take it as a challenge, and hopefully this season in Japan, I'll be able to perform the way those guys are performing in their respective crafts,” said Ravena.