Former Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena talks to reporters at the sidelines of Ateneo-UE game on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – Former Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena believes that the Blue Eagles will come back stronger.
The Ateneo men's basketball team is closing its campaign in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament without qualifying for the Final Four, but Ravena is unfazed.
The former King Eagle believes that this early exit for Ateneo will make the players "hungrier."
"I think this would make them hungrier, this would make them want it more for next season," Ravena said to reporters during Ateneo's game against the University of the East on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
READ: UAAP: Ateneo fends off Momowei-less UE to snap 3-game skid
"This whole experience in itself is the biggest learning lesson for them," Ravena also said.
Ateneo has always been in the semifinals since 2013 and has won the men's basketball championship in four of the last six seasons.
But this year, the Blue Eagles did not make the cut and are at the bottom with a 4-9 win-loss card.
"It's not a good feeling to be at the bottom of the standings, at the same, in Ateneo you're representing a culture, a tradition of winning. Kani-kaniyang oras 'yan eh," Ravena shared. "Now, it's time for them to develop, learn, and take the positives from this to the next."
Ravena was with his fiance, Diana Mackey, when he watched the game at the Espana campus.
Ateneo seeks to conclude its Season 87 run on a high note versus Adamson University.
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