Despite the controversy surrounding Thirdy Ravena’s alleged “draft-dodging,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial clarified that the whole PBA is supporting him and he wishes him well in Japan.
DESPITE accusations of being a draft- dodger Thirdy Ravena still has the support of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) even as he sent a letter to the country’s cage professional league, explaining his decision after signing a multi-year extension with the San-En NeoPhoenix of Japan’s B.League.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that a letter had indeed been sent and he was also able to talk to Ravena straight from Japan to unfold his decision.
“Sumulat sa akin si Thirdy at ang sinabi niya na nag-renew siya ng contract sa Japan,” Marcial said.
“Sinabi din niya na hindi siya masyadong nakalaro dahil may Covid, may injury siya at madami pa siyang dapat iimprove sa game niya,” the PBA commissioner said.
Despite the controversy, Marcial clarified that the whole PBA is supporting him and he wishes him well in Japan.
PBA currently has a rule which bans players who skip the draft two years in a row upon eligibility, approved by the PBA Board of Governors made to prevent eligible rookies from picking teams.
This rule came out into the open after Ravena opted to try his luck overseas after his UAAP stint with Ateneo.
For Ravena, his commitment is still to Gilas Pilipinas for further competitions despite being a no-call to suit up for the ongoing training bubble in Laguna.
“Definitely, if the national team calls, I will always try to make sure that we answer that call,” said the 24-year-old San-En NeoPhoenix guard.
Ravena is looking forward for a strong comeback for San-En in its campaign in the next B.League season, after playing just 18 games in his first year with the club and averaging just 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, as the NeoPhoenix finished with a 12-47 win-loss record.
In the meantime, Ravena is set to be back in the country by the end of May after his first season in Japan. (NP)
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