Outlier: something that is situated away from, or classified differently from a main or related body. Outlier: a statistical observation that is markedly different in value of others in a sample.

Kiefer Ravena is an outlier.

In the last 13 years, only two Eagles have broken into the Ateneo High School varsity team as a freshman; one of them is Kiefer. But unlike Gian Tiu, who was bench ridden for most of his freshman year—Kiefer was already part of the starting five.

At 13, he dominated against bigger, stronger and older players in the UAAP junior finals, even emerging as the highest scorer in game two.

When he played for the National Under-18 squad on April 28, 2010, Kiefer grabbed headlines when he steered his team past a full strength NCAA San Sebastian squad, exploding with 30 points of his own.

And now, having bagged a three-peat with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and a Finals MVP accolade, he will be suiting up for the Ateneo Blue Eagles come Season 74.

Only a few players can say that they were destined to play basketball and Kiefer is one of them.

The Phenom

Even before he first grappled the leather grooves of a basketball, Kiefer already had an advantage over aspiring players his age: god-given assets that only a few are born with.

“Kiefer is always two steps ahead of his teammates. That’s why people call him the Phenom,” former Blue Eaglets Head Coach Jamike Jarin says.

It may not be scientifically tested, but there is no denying that excelling in basketball, or any sport for that matter, is partially determined by genetics; Kobe Bryant’s father played professional ball in Europe, the Blue Eagles’ very own Nico Salva’s parents played basketball for the University of the Philippines and Yao Ming’s parents were Olympic basketball players. Kiefer is no different.

The making of the “phenom” has a fairy tale beginning—when professional PBA player and “King Warrior” Bong Ravena met long-time UAAP and national team volleyball princess, Mozzy Ravena.

Both athletically inclined, the Ravenas had traits that when combined, created a rare hybrid, that is Kiefer Ravena: the 5’11’’, 17 year old, guard/forward, endowed with the reflexes and footwork of a volleyball player, and the agility and ball-handling skills of a basketball player. The advantage would be clear, even when he started playing at the age of four.

As his dad recalls, “I saw him watching basketball games at a young age, [I could see] that he sees basketball, he knows the plays. I thought to myself, wow, this kid is really gifted.”

Primed to play the game

But as the infinite debate of nature versus nurture goes, genetics is not enough to ensure success. As Malcolm Gladwell suggests in his book Outliers, high IQs or an Ivy League education does not guarantee success. In the same light, being athletically gifted does not grant you success. Success is greatly shaped by external factors.

So what is it, other than genetics and talent, which sets Kiefer apart? Exposure, exposure, exposure.

Aside from being immersed in a culture obsessed with basketball, Kiefer witnessed his father’s dedication and discipline to the game: suiting up for daily practices and watching games from courtside.

Even before James Yap made the ranks in UE and in the PBA, there was Bong Ravena. A standout during his time in UE, PBA Rookie of the Year in 1992 and Most Improved Player in 1997, Bong Ravena is one of the basketball greats that graduated from one of the best national teams in history; it was the same team that included Robert Ruiz, Olsen Racela, Vergel Meneses, Jun Limpot, Danny Francisco, EJ Fiehl, Joeu Guanino, John Edel Cardel and Denniz Ramirez.

“My dad was my motivation,” Kiefer says, “Growing up, I wanted to be like my father. I watched his games, I studied his moves, that was my past time.”

“Everything in him is basketball,” Kiefer’s dad says, “He was born to play this sport.”

A new chapter

While speculation, and even some doubt, surrounded Kiefer’s eventual confirmation to join the Blue Eagles, Kiefer acknowledges that his decision was not last-minute. “I actually made up my mind already,” he said.

“It took me a long time, but I had to give time to the others that were interested, I didn’t want to be rude.”

Coach Jamike, however, had no qualms on where Kiefer would end up, he always believed that deep in his heart, he is all blue. “He’s been waiting for the moment to play for the Blue Eagles, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he will dominate, just like he dominated in high school as a freshman.”

Genetics, culture and breeding—all roads lead to one destination: basketball.

The curtains have already been raised for a new chapter in the Kiefer Ravena saga—Smart Gilas stalwart Greg Slaughter is coming on board, Ateneo is hosting the next UAAP Season and jersey number 15 is up for grabs, after Vince Burke’s departure.

“I’m excited [to play for the Blue Eagles],” Kiefer says, “there’s a rare chance to win a four-peat.”

Season 74 preparations are already in its works, and the arrival of Kiefer and Greg has just strengthened the threshold of excitement in the Ateneo camp. “Sino bang di mae-excite na makalaro siya, eh pangalan pa lang The Phenom na? Malaki siyang boost sa team,” Blue Eagle Bacon Austria says.

Photos by: Christella Soriano and Migi Soriano