MANILA, Philippines – Even Thirdy Ravena could not help but be amazed at how well his older brother, Kiefer, performed in his first game in the PBA.

In his debut for the NLEX Road Warriors, Kiefer came up with a double-double of 18 points and 12 assists, while adding seven rebounds and two steals. He shot 7-of-11 from the field, and was a team-high plus-21 in the Road Warriors' 119-115 win over the Kia Picanto.

• READ: Kiefer downplays explosive PBA debut -- "I just tried to play my game"

Thirdy, who beat the traffic in San Juan in time to watch the second half, was brimming with pride to see his brother live up to his billing as the second pick in the 2017 PBA rookie draft.

Whatta game!! Congrats NLEX! Great debut game @kieferravena proud of u brodie!! 🤟🏽🤟🏽

— Thirdy (@ThirdyRavenaaa) December 20, 2017

18 Points 7 Rebounds 12 Assists 2 Steals. GOOD GAME? @kieferravena

— Thirdy (@ThirdyRavenaaa) December 20, 2017

"I think, stats-wise, it speaks for itself," Thirdy said of his brother's debut.

"It really proves the fact na he worked really hard for this moment, he's a really smart player, and he really wants to win. So, seeing him the way he is right now, sobrang proud lang ako as a brother."

For Thirdy, what makes Manong Kiefer's performance all the more impressive is that his older brother has easily made the transition to the highest level of basketball in the Philippines.

Indeed, Kiefer was a star in high school, became an even bigger star in college, and won gold medals for the Philippines in the regional level. He was solid in his stints for SMART Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers last month.

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

And in his first game in the PBA, he immediately proved that he belonged.

"This is the highest stage in Philippine basketball," Thirdy said. "To be able to have a seamless transition – from college to Gilas, to here – it's something spectacular to see."

"It's such a rare opportunity for everyone to see that," he added. "As someone who has been with him in his entire journey, ang saya ng feeling na napapanood siya ng ganoon, and nagawa niya lahat ng nangawa niya this game."

Thirdy had sent his older brother a heartfelt message on Twitter earlier in the day, wherein he looked back on Kiefer's journey and wished him luck in his debut.

"Nangloloko lang 'yun," Kiefer said in jest, when asked about Thirdy's tweet.

Yet "Manong" also stressed that he and Thirdy will always have each other's backs as they progress in their respective basketball careers.

"Hopefully, the time comes and he'll be able to perform like this, or even more," Kiefer said of his younger brother. "Pero ngayon, he has to focus on his college career first."

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