Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Dubai stint proved Thirdy Ravena is ready for int’l play, says Mighty Sports’ Tiu


Fresh off a stellar five-year career in the UAAP, Thirdy Ravena has decided to make a huge career leap.

Instead of entering the PBA, he opted to sign with Japanese club team San-En NeoPhoenix in the B.League.

It’s a road less taken by local collegiate standouts of Ravena’s level.

But for coach Charles Tiu, who is the head coach of Mighty Sports Philippines, their Dubai campaign early this year proved that Ravena is ready for international competition.

“You knew he was physically gifted playing at the college level, but in Dubai, playing against American imports with a lot of experience or African guys who were way bigger than him, and more than holding his own ā€” especially defensively ā€” really impressed me.

“Also, this guy is just a workhorse. He just continues developing his game, and you can really see his dedication. Can’t say enough about his attitude on the floor,” shared Tiu, as Ravena averaged 5.71 points on 45.5-percent shooting and 1.86 assists in 18.2 minutes during their seven-game run.

It will be a long grind for Ravena in the B.League compared to the PBA. The league’s regular season is 41 games long and spans eight months.

And during that time, Tiu hopes to see the 6-foot-2 swingman develop further as a floor general, since it can only lead to good things, not just for his career but also for Gilas Pilipinas.

“Probably being more of a guard and playmaker at the international level.

“It is unfair for me to say that just based on our short tournament together, because he was playing alongside ball-dominant imports. But I’d like to see him make more plays with the ball and for his shooting to be very consistent ā€” like international-level consistent,” said Tiu, who is an assistant coach for Gilas Pilipinas Youth.

#ReadMore  Louie Alas disagrees with F1 call on Kevin Murphy: 'Sa'kin F2 yun, pare'

As a former assistant coach in the PBA and as a current coach at the collegiate level, the protege of Rajko Toroman is no longer surprised that homegrown players are starting to be tapped as imports in international leagues.

But in Ravena’s case, Tiu said that it’s his work ethic that punched his ticket abroad.

“It’s always nice to see a Filipino player excel and play internationally. We don’t get to say that a lot about our players, especially homegrown Filipinos who have lived here all their lives. I’d like to see what he can do in that type of league,” said Tiu, who steered Mighty Sports to both the 2019 Jones Cup and 2020 Dubai International crowns.

“But everything that he has done really is all from his hard work. He deserves all the credit and I am so happy to see him succeed! I’ve seen him and followed him through his ups and downs since he was a high school player.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Strong Group advanced to the final four of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship after having its way with Moroccoā€™s AS Sale, 92-80, on...

Basketball

Facing their toughest challenge in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, Strong Group Athletics emerged victorious with a 91-89 win over Al Ahly Tripoli,...

Basketball

Kevin Quiambao and Francis Escandor have proven their worth. The two La Salle stalwarts paved the way in Strong Group Athleticsā€™ impressive 89-67 victory...

Basketball

Dwight Howard and Andre Roberson showed their pedigree, leading Strong Group Athletics to an impressive 82-66 victory over host United Arab Emirates on Saturday...

Basketball

Strong Group Athletics is moving on without Mikey Williams. Initially, the Dubai-bound club team was supposed to have the enigmatic combo guard on its...

Basketball

Former Gilas stalwarts Justine Baltazar and Jordan Heading are set to join Strong Group Athletics for the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship. The tournament...

Basketball

Familiarity will be key for Strong Group Athletics if it wants to rule the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship taking place from January 19...

Basketball

Brian Goorjian is returning to the Philippines. This time around, the Australia Boomers head coach will serve as a consultant for Strong Group Athletics...

Advertisement