MANILA – Ilonggo guard Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III remains committed to the Gilas Pilipinas despite being tapped to play as import in Japan, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said.
SBP president Al Panlilio said the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star has assured him that playing for the national men’s basketball team remains a priority while playing as import for the San-en NeoPhoenix in the Japanese B.League.
“Thirdy has always expressed his willingness to play for the Philippines and he reiterated his commitment in playing for Gilas Pilipinas in a short conversation we had earlier,” Panlilio said.
“(Ravena) assured us that playing for Gilas is a top priority for him and we’re hopeful that the San-en NeoPhoenix will make him available for the FIBA windows,” the SBP official added.
The 23-year-old Ravena became the first Asian import signed in the Japanese league, a breakthrough for Filipinos in the international stage, one which Panlilio says that could be beneficial for Gilas.
“Playing in Japan is a great opportunity for Thirdy to expand his horizons and to learn more basketball at an international level. This is his chance to grow as a basketball player and everything he learns in Japan will be beneficial for Gilas as well,” he said.
“We are confident that he will represent the Philippines well with his talent and sportsmanship,” added Panlilio. “We congratulate Thirdy Ravena for this achievement and we are one with Filipino basketball fans in hoping he finds success there.”
Ravena has been included in the Gilas pool, together with special Gilas draftees Isaac Go, Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, and brothers Matt and Mike Nieto, as well as late addition Jaydee Tungcab.
The three-time UAAP Finals MVP winner also suited up in the Gilas’ 100-70 victory over Indonesia in the first window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers./PN
