Thirdy Ravena.–Photo from Dubai Basketball Club.
MANILA, Philippines — Thirdy Ravena embarks on a new chapter in his basketball career after taking his talents to the Dubai Basketball Club, which competes in the ABA League in Europe.
The basketball club on Tuesday welcomed Ravena, who signed a one-year deal.
“We’re excited to see him shine on the court as he starts a new chapter of his journey in Dubai,” the club announced. “Thirdy has signed a one-year contract with us, with the option to extend his stay for another season.”
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Ravena will be the first Filipino to play for a Dubai-based club and compete in Europe after Jack Animam saw action in Serbia and Juan Gomez De Liaño in Lithuania.
BC Dubai coach Jurica Golemac is elated to have the 27-year-old winger, who was coming off his best season in the B.League.
“Ravena is a rising star who has earned the title of Japan’s [ Impressive Asia Player of the Year]. He is a perfect fit for Dubai’s cosmopolitan spirit,” said Golemac. “As a pioneering Filipino in European basketball, Ravena not only represents his community but also writes a new chapter in the sport’s history, Welcome to our DBC family, Thirdy. Together, we’re set to create something truly special.”
READ: B.League: Thirdy Ravena named Impressive Asia Player of the Year
The former Ateneo star averaged 12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 57 games for the San-En NeoPhoenix and was named the Impressive Asia Player of the Year.
The NeoPhoenix topped the Central Division and claimed the No. 2 seed in the Playoffs but fell to eventual champions Hiroshima Dragonflies in the quarterfinals.
Ravena, the first Filipino to sign in the B.League, decided to part ways with San-En after four years.