Thirdy Ravena enters free agency

MANILA, Philippines — Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Thirdy Ravena is still testing the market for his next venture after a historic stint with Dubai Basketball that debuted in the EuroLeague this year.

Ravena said he’s still in talks with his agent as to where he is headed next, hoping to have one an offer on the table here or abroad anew after the New Year.

“I’m still not sure. I’m a free agent now. We’ll see,” said the 29-year-old guard after he and his teammates were recognized by the PBA at halftime of the Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals over the weekend at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It was an amazing experience (in the EuroLeague) kahit na I left the team early. It’s a great feeling to at least play with such environment. Ultimately, it’s a great blessing and now I know what it takes to play at that level.”

Ravena blazed another trail for Philippine basketball, becoming the first Filipino to suit up in the EuroLeague with Dubai this year after his signing last year when the squad was still in the ABA League.

He parted ways with Dubai last November, entering free agency for the first time since also becoming the first Filipino import in any overseas league, doing it in 2021 when he signed under the Asian Quota Program with San-En NeoPhoenix in the Japan B. League.

His jump to the overseas pros paved the way for now a fast-growing list of Filipino imports in Japan and Korea like Gilas main team’s Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo.

“I’m very happy that we’re able to open another option. Sana mas marami pang players at mas malayo ‘yung marating nila. ‘Yun naman ‘yung goal. I tried to go far so the rest can go farther,” beamed the three-time UAAP champion and Finals MVP with Ateneo.

Back at home with a lot of options after helping the hastily-formed Gilas to a SEAG sweep including a 70-64 finale win over Thailand, Ravena admitted that the PBA remains one of his dream destinations down the road albeit the next PBA Rookie Draft is still in October 2026.

“Wala pa naman. We’ll still see the options but of course, the PBA will always be on my radar. It’s always been a dream for me but we will wait for options. Once na mag-usap na kami ng agent ko, doon na malalaman ‘yung possible na gawin,” he added.

For now, Ravena is just savoring his first Christmas with his family in years and the sweet redemption in the SEA Games after being part of the infamous silver-medal team in the 2022 Hanoi Games.

“Four years kong hinintay itong opportunity na ito. Noong nag-silver kami noon, parang may chip on my shoulder ngayon so nung nanalo kami ng gold, it’s a good revenge. It’s redemption, hindi lang para sakin kasi may mga teammates din ako noon. It’s for them and coach Chot (Reyes) as well” he beamed.

In 2022 in Vietnam, Ravena teamed up with Matthew Wright, also in this year’s team, his brother Kiefer, nine-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, Mo Tautuaa, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario and Will Navarro among the few for the Gilas team that lost to Indonesia, 85-81, in the finals.

That ended Gilas’ 33-year reign, including 13 straight gold medals, before redeeming the crown in 2023 in Cambodia and now completing a back-to-back feat in Bangkok for the country’s 20th overall crown, the most in the biennial meet’s history.

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