Thirdy Ravena sees return to UAAP glory for Ateneo in Season 89

Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin during a UAAP Season 88 second round matchup against La Salle.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Former Ateneo standout Thirdy Ravena sees the Blue Eagles regaining their lost glory in the upcoming UAAP Season 89.

Despite spending the last several years playing overseas, Ravena has still been able to keep a close watch on his alma mater, and based on what he’s seen, things may finally fall into place next year.

After all, Ateneo still has the caliber of celebrated coach Tab Baldwin.

READ: UAAP: Kieffer Alas joins Ateneo Blue Eagles after US stint

“Anytime you have coach Tab on your team, you have a good upside,” Ravena, who won three UAAP titles and three Finals MVP awards during his time with Ateneo, told reporters. “You have a coach who teaches you the why’s of basketball and not just tells you to do something without understanding why.”

Last year, the Blue Eagles missed the Final Four for the second straight season after finishing in sixth with a 6-8 record. A perennial championship contender, they haven’t made the finals since winning it all in Season 85 four years ago.

The drought could soon be over with Ateneo having a big offseason following the acquisition of the highly-touted Kieffer Alas.

Before joining Ateneo, the former De La Salle-Zobel star had a stint with Layton Christian Academy and Utah Prep in the United States.

“Under coach Tab’s guidance, all those players are in good hands. They have a more talented team now, I’d say, compared to last year, so hopefully we make it this year.”