Thirdy Ravena ‘mentally tougher’ in second year with NeoPhoenix

Thirdy Ravena vs brother Kiefer. Photo from San-En NeoPhoenix

MANILA, Philippines—Thirdy Ravena’s first season in the B.League with San-En was difficult, to say the least, as he battled through injury, COVID-19, and longing for a familiar environment.

The player himself admitted that 2020 was an all too different period in his life but he’s taking the new season in stride complete with the lessons he’s learned from the previous year.

“Definitely I will take up everything that I’ve learned last season, not just on but off the court and apply it in my life,” said Ravena in a virtual press conference for his documentary Thirdy Ravena: Local Hero.

Ravena suffered a hand injury in January then hurt his left knee near the end of the 2020-21 season in April.

He also tested positive for COVID-19 in November 2020 forcing him to get confined in his apartment at the start of the season.

Despite missing a bulk of the season, Ravena still had the NeoPhoenix’s trust with the club awarding him with a two-year extension.

“I think the injuries and COVID made me mentally tougher especially I didn’t have anyone with me during those times,” said Ravena. “I’m just happy NeoPhoenix trusted me with two more years. I’m just showing my gratitude to the organization, to the city, and to the fans.”

Ravena played just 18 games during the 2020-21 season in which he averaged 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in around 23 minutes per outing.

So far, he’s had two games this season and he’s averaged 16 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists an upwards of 32 minutes per match.

“I’m really enjoying myself out there so I hope this progress continues so I can stay here for how long,” said Ravena whose first two games of the season were against Shiga and his older brother Kiefer.

“I hope every season I continue to improve not just for the team but for the whole Philippines because everywhere I go I bring the country with me.”