FILE — Thirdy Ravena for NeoPhoenix in Japanese B.League. SAN EN PHOTO
Thirdy Ravena said he continues to have a huge respect for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), adding that he hopes the league will support his bid to showcase the country’s brand of basketball on foreign shores.
Ravena was recently in the news after he signed an extension with Japanese B.League squad San-En, a move that opened the possibility of a ban due to an existing rule against “draft dodgers.”
Ravena said he sent the league a letter to explain his decision to continue playing in Japan.
“The message was short,” Ravena told Sports IQ Thursday evening. “It was a simple letter just to make sure I comply with what they were asking.”
Several fans howled in protest on social media over the potential ban, but Ravena, the former Ateneo hotshot, did not dwell on the issue much.
“The PBA is still the No. 1 professional league in the Philippines and I respect it so much,” he said.
Ravena is the first Filipino to play in the B.League after signing with San-En in 2020 following a stellar collegiate career that saw him win three University Athletic Association of the Philippines titles and as many Finals Most Valuable Player.
Ravena averaged 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 22.8 minutes across 18 games for San-En to earn a contract extension.
“I told the PBA that I will play in the B.League, play with NeoPhoenix in the B.League and that I hope for their continued support in my journey of representing and trying to make Philippine basketball proud,” said Ravena.