NLEX Road Warriors star Kiefer Ravena has been selected to join the Jordan Brand, the shoe and apparel brand of arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan.
The 27-year old thus becomes the very first Filipino to join the brand’s elite roster of athletes that includes the likes of Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Zion Williamson, Satou Sabally, Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum just to name a few.
Apart from being a resident star of the Philippine Basketball Association, Ravena has been a mainstay of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team. Before that, he captured two championships, two Most Valuable Player trophies and three Mythical Five selections while playing for Ateneo de Manila University.
This kind of consistent excellence and Ravena’s authentic passion and love for the game makes him a perfect addition to the Jordan Brand.
“It’s an honor for me to be part of this basketball family. I’m both thankful and excited to be the first Filipino to be a member of the Jordan Brand. Seeing how MJ played during his time in the NBA, I collected his shoes and wanted to be a part of his camps in the U.S. My first pair of basketball shoes were Jordan 9s,” said Ravena in a press release.
The second-generation basketball star has racked up five gold medal finishes with the national team in the Southeast Asian Games from 2011 through 2019. He has also represented the Philippines in other international tournaments, such as the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017, FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2019 and several FIBA 3×3 tournaments, such as the 2013 FIBA Asia 3×3 Championship and 2017 3×3 FIBA World Cup.
“We’re inspired by Manila’s basketball culture and are thrilled to welcome our first Filipino athlete to the Jordan family,” added Craig Williams, Jordan Brand President.
“Basketball has a powerful influence on youth culture around the globe, and Kiefer can inspire future generations of ballers to make an impact in their hometowns and beyond. We are united by a shared love for the game, and Kiefer – a two-time UAAP MVP and Champion – represents the passion and love for basketball that you see all over the Philippines.” (JNP)