MANILA, Philippines – NLEX rookie Kiefer Ravena downplayed his impressive PBA debut on Wednesday, wherein he was named Player of the Game after leading the Road Warriors to a 119-115 victory over the Kia Picanto.

Ravena rarely showed signs of nerves, as he immediately dished an assist in his first possession in the big league, then splashed a three-pointer for his first field goal as a professional.

The two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player finished with a team-high 18 points while adding 12 assists and seven rebounds in the win. He drew praise from head coach Yeng Guiao, who predicted that the rookie will be "a very special player" in the league.

• READ: Thirdy applauds Manong Kiefer's "seamless transition" to PBA

Ravena acknowledged that he breathed a sigh of relief after a good start to the contest. He had six points and five assists in the first quarter alone – already a solid output.

"Sobrang swerte ko lang na na-shoot ko kaagad 'yung una kong tira," he said. "After noon, okay na, na-kalma na ako."

"Kasi talagang iniisip ko pa, baka kumapos yung tira ko or turnover agad. Sobrang lahat 'yun, naglalaro sa utak ko. Pero nung na-shoot 'yun, nahanap ako ni Kuya Larry (Fonacier), medyo kalma na ako kahit papaano," he added.

After the game, however, Ravena was more delighted in getting the win, than putting up impressive numbers.

"At least panalo," he said. "At least I won my first PBA game."

• READ: Kiefer's superb debut doesn't surprise Guiao

Indeed, he made light of his own performance and credited his teammates for helping him reach double digits in assists.

"I just tried to play my game, attack and see who's open, see who can make shots," he said. "It's not like college na kailangan, i-assert mo ang sarili mo, na gusto mo mag-take over."

"It's easier to have those assists with Larry Fonacier on the wing, Rabeh (Al-Hussaini) and Asi (Taulava) inside, Kevin (Alas) running the point also," he added. "Madali 'yung conversion rate ng assist mo, kasi pro na itong mga ito."

"Kung hindi naman nila nashu-shoot 'yun, wala din akong assist, so ang credit dapat nasa kanila kasi sila naman naka-shoot nun."

He also stressed that NLEX coach Yeng Guiao deserves plenty of credit, as the fiery mentor is known for bringing out the best in his players – regardless of their age or status in the league.

"Nalalabas talaga ni Coach Yeng ang laro mo, kahit rookie ka," Ravena pointed out. "Pinaka-importante talaga, you follow his system, you trust everybody in the team and eventually malalabas mo talaga."

Nevertheless, Ravena was glad to make a good impression in his PBA debut. It was in stark contrast to his debut for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP, when he went scoreless in his very first collegiate game.

"I got that first game out, nabunutan ako ng tinik," he said. "Kasi talagang nag-focus ako sa larong ito, knowing that this can make or break what everybody is thinking about me, of me in the PBA."

Ravena knows that the pressure on him will only increase following his superb PBA debut, but the young guard insists that what's important is for him to just follow Guiao's instructions and stick to their game plan.

"Ako, I just tried to play my game and stick to the system," he said.

"We have one win on the board, and kailangan lang talaga namin mag-focus, and always remember na every game is a different game," he added.

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