Just like his brother Kiefer, Thirdy Ravena gets his chance to play for club team Mighty Sports.
The Philippine-based club team has tapped the three-time UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player for the 2020 Dubai International Basketball Championship from January 23 to February 1 at the Shabab Al Ahli Club.
Still, the late addition of Ravena is a welcome development for head coach Charles Tiu.
“It was a hard process because our lineup was already full, but now can you say no to a guy like Thirdy?” said Tiu about signing Ravena to his squad, which is backed by Creative Pacific of Bong Cuevas, Go for Gold, Oriental Group, Discovery Primea, and Gatorade.
“We’ve got a deep rotation now on the wing. Everyone will have to fight for their minutes.”
Ravena — who is also part of Gilas Pilipinas’ pool — averaged 14.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.13 steals, and 0.47 blocks per game in his final year in Ateneo.
His brother Kiefer was also part of Mighty Sports’ 2017 team that competed in the Dubai tourney and the Merlion Cup.
According to Tiu, though, it has always been Thirdy’s dream to join Mighty Sports.
“I know Thirdy has always wanted to play international ball, and also he’s always wanted to play for Mighty. Now we get to make it happen.”
Also part of the team are Kai Sotto; Andray Blatche; Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño; Dave Ildefonso; Jamie Malonzo; Mikey Williams; and Beau Belga. Meanwhile, serving as one of Tiu’s assistant coaches is Angola national team head coach Will Voigt.
Teams that have been announced for the tourney are Libya’s Al Ahli; Syria’s Alwathba Sports Club and Al Ittihad; UAE’s national team and Alittihad Alexandria Club; Lebanon’s Al Riyadi and Beirut Sports Club; and American School in Dubai.
