Filipino basketball star Thirdy Ravena finds himself at a crossroads. After four seasons with the San-En NeoPhoenix in Japan's B.League, his contract has expired, making him a free agent. This news has reignited speculation about a potential return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), a league Ravena has previously expressed interest in joining.
Ravena's B.League journey has been a successful one. He holds the distinction of being the first Asian Player Quota in the league and has steadily improved throughout his tenure. His most recent season was his best yet, culminating in the NeoPhoenix reaching the Western Conference championship. While expressing his emotional attachment to the team, Ravena acknowledges the changing nature of professional sports and seems open to new opportunities.
For Filipino basketball fans, the most intriguing possibility is a return to the PBA. Ravena, the son of coaching legend Bong Ravena and brother of fellow PBA star Kiefer Ravena, has always been a highly anticipated prospect. The question now is, will he finally make the jump?
There are several factors to consider. The PBA's free agency rules, which were revamped in 2021, might play a role. Previously drafted players who choose to play overseas face a five-year sit-out period upon returning to the PBA if they don't reach a new contract with their original team within a specific timeframe. Ravena's situation might fall under these guidelines, so navigating those could be a hurdle.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Ravena. He has proven himself in the B.League, and a return to the Philippines would undoubtedly be met with excitement from fans. The PBA offers a different challenge and a chance to potentially team up with his brother. The coming days and weeks will be interesting as Thirdy Ravena ponders his next move. Will he stay in Japan, explore other options overseas, or finally make his much-awaited PBA debut? Only time will tell.
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