Thirdy Ravena to join Japan pro league’s San-En NeoPhoenix

Amateur star Thirdy Ravena’s next basketball career move has been revealed.

The 3-time champion from the Ateneo Blue Eagles will turn pro and join San-En NeoPhoenix of the Japanese B.League, the country’s top-flight professional basketball league.

NeoPhoenix is one of the 18 teams in the first division of the B.League.

Ravena’s signing makes him the first ever player to sign with the B.League under its “special Asian slot” roster spot, reminiscent of the PBA’s accommodation of Asian imports during one of its Governors’ Cup conferences.

Ravena’s move follows the footsteps of his brother Kiefer, who explored other options first before ultimately playing in the PBA.

Other recent PBA players who tried playing overseas are Japeth Aguilar and Ray Parks Jr.