MANILA – Ilonggo guard Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III will continue to be part of San-En NeoPhoenix after getting a fresh deal ahead of the 2023-2024 Japan B.League Division 1 tournament.
The NeoPhoenix announced the signing of the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles guard/forward as their Asian Player Quota on their official website on Wednesday afternoon.
The 6-foot-2 Ravena, brother of Shiga Lakes import Kiefer Ravena, expressed his gratitude to the NeoPhoenix team for allowing him to continue his Japan B.League journey.
“I’m very happy with the trust and the love the community has given me and the coaching staff and their patience with me to become a better player in order to help the team, win more games and hopefully make it to the playoffs and win a championship,” said Ravena.
The 26-year-old Thirdy, who is now up to 1,000 points and counting in the Japan B.League, has vowed to continue to work hard for the NeoPhoenix to up his contributions further.
“I will work hard to become a better player for the team, win more games, and aim to advance to the playoffs,” said Ravena. “We look forward to seeing you again next season.”
Thirdy had an improvement in terms of his contributions for the NeoPhoenix in the 2022-2023 season as he averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 60 matches played.
Thirdy is currently in the Philippines as he was part of the 21-man Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the country with Indonesia and Japan this August.
Thirdy was one of the several Philippine-based players whose contracts were renewed by their respective Japan B.League squads ahead of the 2023-2024 season later this year.
Kiefer also recently got an extension from the Lakes, same with Dwight Ramos for Levanga Hokkaido, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. for Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, Matthew Wright with Kyoto Hannaryz and Kai Sotto with Hiroshima Dragonflies./PN
