THIRDY Ravena is staying in Japan, for now.
After what seemed an underwhelming stint in his first season as an import for San-En NeoPhoenix in the B. League, Ravena signed a multi-year contract extension with the squad last Monday.
The 6-foot-2 Ravena thanked the San-En NeoPhoenix management and vowed to redeem himself.
“I just want to thank the NeoPhoenix organization for the trust and support they’ve given ever since I got here. It was indeed a tough time for me last season, having to miss a lot of games and not being able to help the team as much as I want,” Ravena said on the team’s website.
“But despite that, it was all love from the NeoPhoenix club and boosters which was why it wasn’t hard for me to make this decision. I’m excited for the next coming years with this club,” he added.
Ravena, 23, averaged 9.1 points on 36-percent shooting, to go with 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 22.8 minutes of play in 18 games where he saw action, including 14 matches as a starter.
San-En NeoPhoenix president Kenjiro Hongo is not losing faith in Ravena, saying: “Although the results were not satisfactory, he has adapted well to life in Japan and as a professional player. We have high expectations for his further development.
“With Ravena at the center of the team, we will build a new culture and strive to become champions.”
In November last year, Ravena was also sidelined for four games when he tested positive for COVID-19 after he played in a scrimmage against private ballclub Kanazawa Samurai Team.
The former Blue Eagles standout and Gilas Pilipinas national team training pool member was also set to play for B.White team in the league’s All-Star game and take part in the Slam dunk tilt last January.
A fractured right ring finger injury, however, also kept Ravena out for three months.
A former three-time finals MVP, Ravena led Ateneo to three straight UAAP crowns but opted not to join the PBA draft in 2019 despite being projected as likely the top pick overall and instead signed with San-En NeoPhoenix as the first Filipino and Asian to suit as an import under the league’s Asian quotas initiative last June.
The youngest son of former PBA player and former TNT coach Bong and former volleyball star Mozzy, Ravena also got offers to play in Australia, New Zealand, and Italy.
