“Unfinished Business”: Thirdy Ravena Re-signs with San-En NeoPhoenix

Thirdy Ravena is set for another tour of duty in Japan as San-en NeoPhoenix announced Monday afternoon that they signed the Filipino import for 2021-22 season.

“Phoenix Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has signed a player contract with Thirdy Ravena for the 2021-22 season. Ravena is a contract player in the Asian special frame established from the 2020-21 season. This contract is for multiple years.” The team declared on a statement released from the official team website.

Thirdy Ravena on his part posted the development on his Instagram account with a caption “We got unfinished business, NeoPhoenix.”

Ravena played only 18 games on his first season in the Japanese B-League after several drawbacks plagued his stint. He missed the first 10 games of the season due to visa delays and mandatory quarantine. He tested positive for COVID-19 mid-November and forced to be out for 4 games as he is recovering from the disease. He then had an unforgettable start of the year after fracturing his right index finger which took him almost three months to recuperate. He ended his rookie year sitting out the last 5 games as he suffered a sore left knee last month.

Though having a turbulent season when it comes to his health, the former Blue Eagle still showcase good form as he averaged 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 22 minutes, and has helped his team to win 5 out of the 18 games where he played. Ravena was also voted to be part of the 2021 B.League All-Star Game but the game did not progress due to the surging number of cases in Japan during those days.

Despite having a not satisfactory result and finishing 9^th out of 10 teams in the West district, San-en will still be part of Division 1 as no relegation will take place this season.

Kenjiro Hongo, president of San-en NeoPhoenix, also stated his big expectation on the development of Ravena and expressed that he will be the center of the team.

"He (Ravena) has adapted well to life in Japan and as a professional player. We have high expectations for his further development," Hongo said. "With Ravena at the center of the team, we will build a new culture and strive to become champions, so please continue to support us."

Hideki Higashi, General Manager of San-en Neophoenix on his part express confidence to the Filipino import.

"His aggressive play is something that no one else can imitate. I am confident that he will tear apart the opposing team to lead his team to victory.”

The financial terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Image from San-En NeoPhoenix