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MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena is learning that he can never put a price on the pursuit of his dream.
The 23-year-old former Ateneo Blue Eagles standout is enduring living alone in the US, being away from his family, and playing without salary as he chases his NBA dream.
As a developmental player for the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks’ NBA D-League team, Ravena does not get any salary. Though he does have transportation allowance and free housing.
“Minsan kasi may mga bagay na kahit walang bayad gusto mo talaga subukan (There are things that you just want to try and do even without pay),” Ravena told Rappler via chat one day, right after a practice session.
He had been busy cooking rice for himself.
“Tulad siguro nung pangarap ko lang makapag-NBA. Hindi yun siguro mapapalitan ng kahit anong amount (Just like my dream to play in the NBA. You can’t match that with any amount),” added Ravena, who spends for his own food.
The 6-foot guard left the UAAP last season as a two-time MVP and went on to train with Gilas Pilipinas and played for the Mighty Sports club team in the Merlion Cup.
He was then signed as a developmental player by the Legends – the same team Ray Parks played for last season – early this month.
Ravena is toiling away in the US while players from his class of rookies joined the PBA, including ex-Far Eastern University stars Mac Belo, RR Pogoy, and Mike Tolomia, and former UST gunner Kevin Ferrer.
“I’m happy for them especially since they’re doing well,” he said in Filipino and English, noting they check on him every now and then.
“We all dreamed of playing the PBA. And it’s like we’ve become siblings because of our brotherhood. So if someone is happy for them, it’s me. They worked really hard to get to where they are right now.”
Though he is supported by his family – including his younger brother Thirdy who is set to play in the UAAP Finals this weekend – Ravena is learning the value of hard work and sacrifice.
“Siguro yung tiyaga, tapos determination, tapos sipag, may mararating ka,” he shared some of the important lessons he’s learned so far. “Ako kahit makuha man o hindi, nagpapasalamat na ako kay God sa binigay niya sa akin na chance.”
“Sa family ko na kung ‘di dahil sa kanila, hindi ko magagawa ‘to. Sa mga taong nagdadasal para sa akin, ginagawa ko rin ‘to para maging proud ‘yung mga kababayan ko.“
(I think it’s if you have the persistence plus determination and hard work, you’ll go places. Even if I don’t get in, I’m thankful to God for the chance he’s given me. To my family, if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do this. And to those who continue praying for me, I’m doing this to make my fellow Filipinos proud.)
Ravena isn’t certain yet when he’ll get the call, or if he ever would, but he’ll be content knowing he tried. – with reports from Jane Bracher/Rappler
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