Thirdy stays committed to Gilas

Japan-bound Thirdy Ravena reiterated his commitment to Gilas Pilipinas while playing pro ball overseas.

Ravena said one of the factors he considered before signing with Japan B. League squad San-en Neophoenix was the proximity and the opportunity to fly home when Gilas duty calls.

“Malapit din siya sa Pilipinas, just in case, kasi gusto ko po talaga maglaro in the windows of FIBA (It’s close to the Philippines. I really want to play in the FIBA windows),” Ravena said during the Power & Play program on Radyo Singko.

The high-flying shooting guard is hopeful the Neophoenix will make him available to represent Gilas Pilipinas in the future. “We just have to make sure it’s written tapos

pumayag parehas. If okay naman parehas (If both the club and the league are okay with it), there shouldn’t be a problem,” said Ravena.

The 23-year-old standout from Ateneo is one of the young guns tapped to form the core of the Gilas program for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which the country is hosting.

Ravena is itching to buckle down to work with the San-en management, coaching staff and teammates.

“My dad (Bong) has a simple advice to me going to Japan. He told me to play smart, play hard and play like an import,” he said.

“I definitely want to help them out and make sure to have a better record next season. They have great people in the organization. I can’t wait to play. I don’t want to say any promises.”

NeoPhoenix CEO Kenjiro Hongo and general manager Seiichiro Kage said, “Thirdy is the best player in his country.”