THE possibility of former Ateneo standout Thirdy Ravena finally joining the PBA this year is gone with the wind, at least for now.
Ravena signed a one-year contract extension yesterday with the San-en NeoPhoenix in the Japan B. League.
“Thirdy Ravena has signed a player contract for the 2023-24 season! Please support Thirdy,” the ballclub said on social media.
The 6-foot-2 Ravena will suit up for his fourth year of duty for the NeoPhoenix after blazing a trail as the first Filipino to play as an import overseas in 2020.
Ravena, 26, said he now wants to win it all for his team.
“I’m very happy to be spending one more year with NeoPhoenix in the hopes of winning a championship,” Ravena said.
“I’m very happy with the trust and the love the community has given me and the coaching staff and their patience with me,” he added.
He was good for 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 60 games for the NeoPhoenix last season where they wound up with a 23-37 record.
“Hopefully, I become a better player in order to help the team to win more games and hopefully make it to the playoffs and win a championship,” Ravena said. “Thank you so much for your support and I will see you next season.”
Among the other notable Pinoy cagers proving their worth overseas include Thirdy’s older brother, Kiefer, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Jordan Heading, Greg Slaughter, and Carl Tamayo of the B. League; Korea Basketball League’s Rhenz Abando, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Ethan Alvano, Justin Gutang, and Christian David and Toledo mainstay AJ Edu.
PBA star Robert Bolick is also set to bring his acts to the fledgling Japan league.
