During a pictorial for UAAP Magazine back in mid-2011, Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Ferrer arrived at the ABS-CBN Publishing office at almost the same time. Both rookies in the men’s basketball tournament of UAAP Season 74, Kiefer teasingly called the then-lanky Kevin “bangkay” to which the shy and quiet Kevin just smiled in reply.
The word “bangkay” seemed like Kiefer’s term of endearment for Kevin. After all, the two were well acquainted. Prior to 2011, the two played alongside each other representing the Philippines in the 2010 FIBA Asia U-18 tournament. After 2011, Kiefer and Kevin both played together once more for the 2013 Sinag Pilipinas and the 2015 Gilas Cadets teams.
In this year’s UAAP Season 78, Kevin and Kiefer were no longer the lanky freshmen that they were just four years prior. They were now the top contenders for the league’s Most Valuable Player plum. Kiefer edged Kevin by only 2.14 statistical points. (Kiefer tallied 69.5 statistical points whereas Kevin obtained 67.36 statistical points.)
But during the November 28 UAAP awarding held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Keifer, in a surprising and touching move, paid tribute to Kevin by sharing the MVP award with his former national squad teammate. Kiefer called Kevin forward and they raised the MVP trophy together in front of the crowd at the Coliseum. Afterwards, Kiefer also posted a photo with Kevin on his Instagram account with the caption, “Wishing my boi @Kevferrer goodluck! Enjoy it!”
FULL STORY: Ferrer explodes in 3rd canto as UST ties series
IN PHOTOS: Kevin Ferrer goes berserk, forges game three for UST
UST won today’s Finals Game 2 against FEU, 62-56, in which Kevin scored 24 points during the third quarter. UST’s win forced a winner-take-all Game 3 to be held on December 2, Wednesday, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
At the post-game press conference, Kevin mentioned that Kiefer’s gesture somehow helped him excel. Kevin said, “Nakapag-motivate ang ginawa ni Kiefer. Nasa isip ko rin na ayokong umuwing luhaan.”
In the world of collegiate basketball—which is known for fierce rivalries—the touching friendship of Kevin and Kiefer is worth celebrating and truly deserves an MVP award.
