For 3-0 Ateneo surge, Ravena earns UAAP Player of the Week plum

Averaging a near double-double so far, Thirdy Ravena has been sparkling in Ateneo's 3-0 start. 
By Dugout Philippines


Where Thirdy Ravena goes, so is Ateneo.

And with three consecutive blow-out wins to open up UAAP Season 80, it is only fitting for Thirdy to be named as the first Chooks-to-Go UAAP Press Corps Player of the Year citation for all his effort.

The third-year swingman was instrumental in the 3-0 start by the Blue Eagles, averaging 18.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per outing.

He edged out UP’s Paul Desiderio and Aljun Melecio of defending champs La Salle for the nod.

“I need to stay more consistent than last season. Last season, I’ll have a good game then polar opposite (the next),” Ravena, last year’s Mythical Team member, said.

“I’m just mentally focused coming into the season that I need to stay consistent.”

The Blue Eagles opened its season campaign with a 85-65 win over the Adamson Falcons, then followed suit with a 92-71 drubbing over Katipunan neighbors UP on Sept. 13.

And on Sunday, Ateneo turned back season hosts Far Eastern U, 94-82, with Thirdy topscoring with 18 points on 7-of-11 from the field with 11 rebounds, five assists, and a steal.

Over-all, ADMU have won over its opponents with a winning margin of 17.6 points, many thanks to the team’s balanced scoring.

“The players have been terrific, their attitude has been that it doesn't matter how many minutes they play, they come in and they do their job. We'd like to keep it that way,” assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said.

The Eagles’ next three games will be against University of the East on Sept. 24, University of Santo Tomas on the 27th, and National U on the 30th.
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