AFTER a subpar maiden season with San-En in the Japan B. League, Thirdy Ravena is bent on redeeming himself and helping the NeoPhoenix scale new heights.
“I just felt like I wasn’t as helpful last season because of all the injuries and COVID and all of that. This is definitely very important because of the trust that the team has given me, the belief of the whole organization in re-signing me this year,” Ravena said.
“I just really want to show everyone, to the boosters, to every Filipino, that we can make an impact,” he added.
The 6-foot-2 former Ateneo star vowed to do whatever San-En needs him to do.
“Personally, I will do whatever it takes to win and help my teammates,” Ravena said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s scoring or passing the ball, whatever role they give me, I really want to just help them.”
The first Filipino to suit up in the B.League as an Asian import, Ravena was good for 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 for the NeoPhoenix last season in a stint derailed by his late arrival in Japan, COVID-19, and injuries (right ring finger and knee).
San-En wound up with a 12-47 card for 19th last season.
Ravena likes his squad’s chances this season with new additions Elias Harris, Robert Carter, and Justin Knox.
He said he and his teammates are jiving and that should work wonders for the NeoPhoenix.
“That’s the thing about our team: I feel like it is such a unit. Regardless if it’s an import or a Japanese, off the court the chemistry is really good. Every time, after every practice, whether it’s the imports or the locals, we all invite each other to eat out or to go to wherever in our city or whether we’re away,” he said.
“That’s definitely a great feeling. Everyone in the team, we have a really good bonding. I guess I really feel like our chemistry off the court is really good and I hope it translates into the game even more when we play. That’s why I’m looking forward to the rest of the season for this team.”
