Thirdy Ravena reveals why he decided to play in Japan's B.League

Thirdy Ravena has revealed why he decided to play in the Japan Professional Basketball League (B.League).

In a virtual press conference on Friday, Ravena said one of his reasons is the opportunity to share the court with former players from the National Basketball Association (NBA).

"I have been hearing about the Japanese basketball league years ago but I didn't expect that it would grow this fast in the past couple of years and I'm just excited," he said.

"The league attracts a lot of big name imports outside of the NBA and I can't wait to compete against former NBA Players," he added.

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Ravena also said that the Japanese style of basketball is exciting and he looks forward to playing it.

"In terms of basketball, I think Japanese basketball has speed. They pass the ball more than they dribble, which is why the ball travels faster. Definitely, [there are a] lot of shooters. Very deadly when it comes to making threes," he said.

The second generation Ravena added that proximity to the Philippines was also a factor in choosing to play in Japan.

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"We took that into consideration because it's also close to the Philippines and close to my family as well. They can always visit, they can go back and forth," said the three-time UAAP Finals MVP.

But overall, it was the challenge that fueled Ravena to go to the B.League.

"The only reason why I'm here is because I love challenges, I love competition, I love being outside of my comfort zone," he said.

The San-En Neophoenix tapped Ravena as their Asian import for the upcoming season of the B.League.

Prior to signing, Ravena was part of a powerhouse Ateneo team which won three consecutive titles in the UAAP men's basketball tournament. —MGP, GMA News