FILE – San-en NeoPhoenix’s Thirdy Ravena. B.LEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—San-En is fully supporting Thirdy Ravena in his campaign with Gilas Pilipinas in the February window of the 2023 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.
In a statement posted on its website, the NeoPhoenix admitted that Ravena’s absence is a big blow to their run in the 2021-22 Japan B.League season but having one of their players play for a national team is still a great honor for them.
“The absence of Thirdy in the second half of the season is a big disadvantage for the club, we at San-En NeoPhoenix are very honored to have our players selected to the national team and we will continue to support them as best as possible,” posted the club.
Ravena arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday and immediately practiced with the national team the day after.
The 6-foot-2 wing is expected to return to Japan after the February window, which will run from the 24th to the 28th, and rejoin San-En after he finishes the mandated quarantine period the Japanese set for those traveling to the country.
Ravena is averaging 12.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 steal a game for the NeoPhoenix who sit at the 11th spot in the Division 1 West Conference.
“While Thirdy is away, other players will step up firmly, so we hope that Thirdy will be able to play an active role as a representative of the Philippines,” wrote the club.
“I will join the Philippine national team and do my best, but I will do my best every week in the second half of the B.League, so I would appreciate your support for both,” said Ravena in the team’s statement.