Thirdy's debut B.League season ends; Ravena hoping for another stint

As his first Japan B. League season comes to a close, Thirdy Ravena said he craves another tour of duty with the San-en NeoPhoenix.

“Obviously the Japan experience was a really big blessing but being in Japan and going through all this like being injured or having COVID-19 and having to sit out the last few games, there’s really a lot of highs and lows,” Ravena told GMA News Online on the eve of team’s culminating game today.

“But overall, it’s a great experience.”

The high-flying Filipino import was adamant in sharing that there was not a single game in his debut season where he felt absolutely satisfied with his performance.

Ravena, whose ballclub lost its final match on Wednesday against Shinshu Brave Warriors, 80-75, admitted that a whirlwind of events kept him from showing his A-game.

First, his Japan arrival was delayed last October due to visa issues, prompting him to miss NeoPhoenix’s season opener then the following month, the team reported that he contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Injuries also hounded his season as he had to sit out three months after sustaining a fractured finger last January, while he was also sidelined in the team’s last few games due to a knee injury.

These setbacks, according to Ravena, are shaping to be the reason to come back and redeem himself.

“Here in Japan, I really feel like I wasn’t able to show everything. To be honest, I never had a game that I really liked and where I felt ‘Oh yes, this is my game and this is what I want’,” Ravena, who posted averages of 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and  1.6 assists, said.

“So if there’s a chance to do it again, I would definitely do it.”

 

 

 

 

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But as an athlete for the most part of his life, Ravena knows best that not everything is within his control.

The former Ateneo standout said that nothing has been cast in stone yet as far as his next destination is concerned following a tumultuous campaign with the San-en, who wrapped up the season with a 12-47 record.

Although there are already some offers, Ravena stressed he’s still waiting for the official end of the tournament and of some postseason events before entertaining a formal proposal.

After all, the 24-year-old wingman said he still has enough time before coming up with a decision on whether he’ll play for another year in Japan or seek opportunities elsewhere such as throwing his name in next year’s PBA Rookie Draft.

“As a basketball player, you can’t control where you will go. It’s really based on what offer is on the table. So I guess we’ll find out in the coming weeks.” —JMB, GMA News