MANILA – Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles has been hailed as Basketball Player of the Year in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards held recently at Amelie Hotel Manila.
The Iloilo City native was given the citation after leading the Blue Eagles to second consecutive UAAP men’s seniors basketball championship.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognized, especially for an award like this. Lahat ng mga pinaghirapan ko, finally nagpay-off,” said Ravena. “But in all honesty, I owe this all to my teammates. Of course, also the hardworking coaching staff of our team. We’ve come this far because of them.”
“I also dedicate this award to my family, my friends, and those who have supported us in this journey. Honestly, I’m so surprised. I’m still in shock,” he added.
Ravena joined the elite company of former collegiate standouts that were given the individual trophy, including brother Kiefer, Rey Mark Belo, Jeron Teng, Ben Mbala, and Robert Bolick.
Ravena was also named part of the All-Collegiate Team along with Bolick of San Beda University Red Lions, University of Perpetual Help Altas’ Prince Eze, and University of the Philippines Maroons’ Bright Akhuetie and Paul Desiderio.
University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses’ Cherry Rondina and Arellano University Lady Chiefs’ Regine Arocha became the first recipients of the Volleyball Player of the Year award.
Other awardees were Pivotal Players Angelo Kouame of Blue Eagles and Javee Mocon of the Red Lions as well as Impact Players Jaymar Perez of Lyceum Pirates and Sean Manganti of Adamson University Falcons./PN
