MANILA – Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III, formerly of San-en NeoPhoenix, was named “Impressive Asia Player of the Year” for the 2023-2024 Japan B.League Division 1 season.
The former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles standout was rewarded with the inaugural citation after tallying career averages for the NeoPhoenix in the just-concluded season.
Ravena, the first-ever Filipino player to be signed as an Asian Quota Player for the B.League, averaged 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steal for the NeoPhoenix.
The Iloilo City-native forward’s impressive numbers helped the NeoPhoenix finish as the third best squad after the elimination round with a 46-14 win-loss record after missing the playoffs the year prior.
Ravena and the NeoPhoenix, however, were swept by eventual champions Hiroshima Dragonflies in the best-of-three quarterfinals series.
Recently, Ravena was dropped to the free agency list by the NeoPhoenix, ending his four-year stint with the squad.
“We would like to inform you that the San-en NeoPhoenix contract with Thirdy Ravena will expire at the end of the 2023-24 season,” the NeoPhoenix said.
“As a result, he will be listed on the free agent list announced by the B.League at 3 p.m. on May 24th,” the team added.
Ravena, for his part, expressed gratitude to the NeoPhoenix management and his teammates for the four years he spent with the squad.
“I just want to thank this Club for welcoming me with open arms. The last four years have been a crazy ride, but I’m happy to do it with this team,” he said.
“I’m grateful to the Club for welcoming me so warmly. It’s been a tumultuous four years, but I’m happy to play for this team,” he added./PN
