WHILE proving their worth in the Japan B. League, playing in the PBA remains a big possibility for brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena.
“I see myself playing in the (PBA), but we don’t know when. We’re fulfilling our careers as basketball players, and I feel like I have to play in the Philippines as well and see the amazing crowd in the pros,” Thirdy Ravena said.
“So yeah, for sure. But when, we don’t know,” he added.
Kiefer Ravena echoed his younger brother’s sentiments.
“For us right now, it’s just really taking care of ourselves and staying healthy so we can make sure that happens in the future,” Kiefer said.
Thirdy was the first Filipino to suit up in the fledgling Japan league in 2020 for San-En as an Asian import under the Asian Players Quota.
In his second season with the NeoPhoenix, the 6-foot-2 Thirdy Ravena is averaging 12.7 points on 41-percent shooting from the field, to go with 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals in 26.8 minutes in 24 games.
A star guard for NLEX in the pro league, the 6-foot Kiefer linked up with Shiga as an Asian import last June but was initially not allowed by the PBA to bring his act overseas.
After a change of heart from the PBA, Ravena was given the green light to suit up for the team under some conditions.
Under the agreement, Ravena will only play for one season in the Land of the Rising Sun.
A corresponding fine will be meted on Ravena if and when he fails to follow the pact.
