After a year in Japan, former Ateneo Blue Eagle Thirdy Ravena is now having a blast and enjoying his time in this East Asian nation.
The 24-year-old Ravena has begun appreciating the culture, food, clothes and the opportunity that he got when ballclub Sanen Neo Phoenix signed him up to play in the B. League last year.
“I’m enjoying myself out here. Sana tuluy-tuloy and I can stay here for how long,” said the 6’3" Ravena in a huddle with scribes on Zoom through production company Viva Max.
Ravena discussed his life and times during the launch of a docu-series entitled “Local Hero,” which is now out and available for Filipino fans to watch on Viva Max.
After Ravena unloaded a game-high 27 points for San-En Neophoenix when it got back at the Shiga Lakestars, 101-96, in overtime in their second game in the B.League over the weekend, Thirdy is now looking forward to their next games this weekend.
And that will be against the Kobe Paras-led Niigata Airbex.
“My focus is now is to be a better player and hopefully, sa coming season, mag-improve para maganda ang ipakita ko,” added Ravena.
Their win last Sunday allowed the NeoPhoenix to make up for their 83-93 loss to the Lakestars the previous day, when his elder Kiefer debuted for their rivals.
Ravena’s good start somehow made for the struggles he experienced when he first stepped into the court last year.
During the 2020 season, Ravena needed to isolate after contracting COVID-19.
Last January, Ravena suffered a fractured finger and missed at least three months of games.
So far, Ravena has played 18 games in his first year with the NeoPhoenix, averaging 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.
Last May, Ravena re-signed with the NeoPhoenix for two more seasons.
“Having COVID-19 and injuring my hand really made me mentally tougher, especially that I did not have anyone with me during those tough times. So I was just very happy that NeoPhoenix trusted me with two more years with the team,” said Ravena.
