Thirdy Ravena stepped onto the PBA floor on Saturday evening.
Though already a free agent after being released by Dubai BC last month, the athletic 29-year-old winger says entering the next PBA draft is not yet in his plans.
“Definitely, the PBA will always be with me,” said the son of ex-PBA pro Bong and brother of former NLEX Road Warrior Kiefer. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the PBA.
“But for now, we have to weigh everything out with my agent, see what offers are actually on the table, and then that’s where we sort everything out.”
(C) PBA Images
After his release from Dubai, Ravena immediately suited up for Gilas Pilipinas Men in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
It was an unforgettable experience for the Ateneo legend as the team overcame numerous adversities to capture gold.
From multiple players’ eligibility being rejected by the organizing committee to broken buses and, even, questionable officiating, Ravena and Gilas experienced it all.
But beyond winning gold, Ravena was finally able to get redemption after their silver finish in 2021 in Hanoi.
“Sarap sa feeling kasi apat na taon kong hinintay itong opportunity na ‘to,” he said. “Noong nag-silver kami noong 2021, parang may chip on my shoulder nun.
“Noong nanalo kami, it was redemption — hindi lang para sa akin, also for my teammates din noon. This is all for them, for Coach Chot (Reyes) as well.”
For now, Ravena is enjoying the holidays with his family — the first time he has been able to do so in five years.
Meanwhile, his agent Daniel Moldovan of Lighthouse Sports is working non-stop, reaching out to potential teams for his next destination.
“We will see the options, weigh everything,” said Ravena, who spent four years with San-En and played 18 games with Dubai last season. “But for now, I can’t really say anything kasi wala pa talagang clear choices.”
At his next stop, he plans to carry the lessons he learned playing and training alongside former NBA pros during his time with Dubai.
“It was an amazing experience. Para sa akin, kahit na umalis ako ng team nang maaga, it was still an experience to at least play with the guys, be in an environment na talagang ‘iron sharpens iron,’ and everyone’s always 100% aggressive. Great feeling. Mga idol ko dati naging teammates ko sila — Dwayne Bacon, naging kaibigan ko; Davis Bertans, napapanood ko lang dati sa TV,” said Ravena, who never actually got to play in a Euroleague game.
“Ultimately, it’s a great blessing kasi naka-inspire siya, and now I know what it takes to play at that level — how hard they work, and how crazy yung preparation nila. Doon ko na-feel talaga na ball is life. They live and breathe basketball, and that’s a great experience for me to see.”
#WATCH: WHERE TO NEXT, THIRDS?
After helping Gilas win gold in the #SEAGames2025, Thirdy Ravena talks about what’s next for his career 🇵🇭🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/3oixWwTkwA
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 27, 2025
