Monetary consideration was far from Thirdy Ravena’s mind when he signed up with the San-en NeoPhoenix club team in the Japanese B.League’s 2020-2021 season.
Having the proper exposure in a professional league was his main concern.
“We really didn’t even pick nga if you’re wondering yung highest offer. Pero we only picked kung ano talaga yung best fit doon sa hinahanap talaga namin, which is yung makakalaro ka. Walang expectation kasi ganoon nga yung standing. So mag-i-improve na lang kami from there,” said Ravena.
The 6’2” Ravena, who will play shooting guard for the Phoenix, talked about his choices during a podcast that was hosted by his brother Kiefer Ravena last Friday.
“There’s only room for a lot of improvement pag sa mga ganong bagay so it’s one of the reasons why I chose Neophoenix,” added Ravena.
The Phoenix finished at the bottom of the standings of the Central Division with a 5-36 win-loss record.
But good exposure in the league because of the presence of many former National Basketball Association players made him chose a playing career in Japan instead of going to Australia or New Zealand to accept two other offers.
“Alam ko nga 'yung standing wasn’t really the best standing. But yun nga, when you look at it, pwede rin siyang maging positive kasi walang expectation,” Ravena explained.
Ravena hopes to join his squad before the scheduled of opening of the 2020-2021 season.
The 2020-21 campaign is scheduled to begin in October.