Thirdy Ravena revved up to face ‘best friend’ Kobe Paras

San-en NeoPhoenix’s Thirdy Ravena. SAN EN PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After facing off against his older brother Kiefer Ravena in the opening weekend of the 2021-22 B.League season, Thirdy is now headed for a showdown against one of his closest pals in Kobe Paras.

“I’m looking forward to it. We have another game against Niigata this weekend and Kobe, who has played tremendously,” said Thirdy after leading the San-En NeoPhoenix past Kiefer and the Shiga Lakestars on Sunday.

“He’s been my best friend growing up so I’m definitely excited for that”

Paras dazzled in his B.League debut on Saturday after scoring 25 points, 20 of which came in the first half, in a loss to Kyoto.

He followed it up with 10 points, highlighted by timely baskets in a narrow win by Niigata the following day.

Thirdy is coming off his best game yet since joining the B.League last year with a career-high 21 points that went with seven rebounds and five assists in a 101-96 win over the Lakestars in overtime.

San-En, which split its first two games against Shiga, takes on Niigata on October 9 and 10.