MANILA – Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy Ravena III and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters power forward Beau Belga were Mighty Sports–Philippines latest additions that will see action in in the 2020 Dubai International Basketball Tournament later this month.
With his national team experience and game style that steered Ateneo Blue Eagles to a three-peat, head coach Charles Tiu said that the 6-foot-3 Ilonggo was a great addition to the lineup.
“It was a hard process because our lineup was already full, but how can you say no to a guy like Thirdy? I know Thirdy has always wanted to play international ball and also he’s always wanted to play for Mighty. Now we get to make it happen,” said Tiu.
Ravena, a three-time UAAP Finals MVP, averaged 14.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in his final year as a Blue Eagle in the recently concluded UAAP season.
Aside from Ravena, Belga was also inserted to the team after getting the clearance from his ball club and from PBA Commissioner Willier Marcial.
“Beau gives us another presence down low. He gives us a lot of toughness and he will be our enforcer down there,” Tiu said. “I remember whenever they called Beau for the national team, he was always there and had no questions asked.”
Other players in the Mighty Sports- Philippines squad were former and present UAAP stars Jamie Malonzo, Dave Ildefonso, Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño, future NBA prospect Kai Sotto, Fil- Am Mikey Williams and import Andray Blatche./PN
