THREE-TIME UAAP men’s basketball champion Thirdy Ravena is ready to reinforce the San-En NeoPhoenix in Japan’s B-League, as he joined the professional team’s training for the first time last Saturday.
Ravena will finally make his much-awaited debut tomorrow, when the NeoPhoenix visit the Shimane Susanoo Magic for a weekend back-to-back road set.
The former Ateneo star had to complete a 14-day quarantine period upon his arrival in Japan and only got to connect with his new teammates over the weekend.
San-En has won just once in its first 10 games of the 2020-21 regular season, with its lone victory came at the expense of Kyoto, 94-75, last week.
In anticipation of Ravena’s stint, the B-League yesterday announced that it will stream the 6-foot-2 guard’s first 10 games live to overseas audience.
To be streamed on the league’s official YouTube and Facebook pages, this will give an opportunity for Ravena’s fans in the Philippines and in other countries to see the beginning of his pro career in Japan.
Ravena became the first Filipino in Japan’s B-League for NeoPhoenix through the Asian Player Quotas, which was implemented for the first time this season.
Vowing to bring the winning attitude for San-En, Ravena will make his home debut against Osaka Evessa on Nov. 11.
