Thirdy Ravena is emulating his brother Kiefer’s path.
According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio himself, the UAAP’s only three-time Finals Most Valuable Player is actively seeking opportunities to play in either Australia’s NBL or Japan’s JBL this year while being a full-time Gilas Pilipinas player.
“Thirdy committed to us.
“He hasn’t signed up [for the draft] ’cause he wanted to play abroad. When we spoke to him before the holidays and the draft, he’s following the path of Kiefer. Thirdy is looking at opportunities in Australia and Japan,” bared Panlilio.
Out of the five seniors of Ateneo, it was only Ravena who did not sign up for the 2019 PBA Draft. The 23-year-old was expected to be the top overall pick after posting norms 14.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.13 steals, and 0.47 blocks in his final year, while also being part of the Gilas Men’s team during the World Cup Qualifiers.
Photo from FIBA.basketball
However, the 6-foot-3 forward had been vocal in wanting to train abroad first before entering the big league.
For now, Ravena remains committed to playing for Gilas Pilipinas. There will be complications, however, when he signs with a club team.
“The problem lang is once he signs up with Japan on Australia, he has his own commitments there. Whether he could put a clause in his agreement that when it comes to national team duties for the Philippines, that he be allowed to participate with Gilas [remains to be seen],” shared Panlilio.
“If he can talk to the ballclub he’ll be signing up with to include that in his agreement, that every time we call you, you can join us, he’s willing to do that.”
Whatever happens though, Ravena’s goal for the next three years is this — get better for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“He’s committed to the national team, but he wants to better himself. He did tell me that he wants to be a major contributor for 2023. That’s how he’s seeing it, na he want[s] to develop now so he can be a major contributor three years from now.”
