Thirdy not closing door on PBA, Gilas

MANILA, Philippines  — While looking forward to a professional career in Japan, Thirdy Ravena isn’t closing the door on the PBA and Gilas Pilipinas.

Ravena, one of the brightest prospects in the amateur ranks, will take flight in the Japanese B. League as the Asian import of Division I squad San-En NeoPhoenix next season.

But the PBA and the national team will remain at the back of his mind.

“Of course, there will always be a possibility,” Ravena told The STAR with regards to a possible stint in the PBA.

The 6-foot-3 flyer said suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas is a commitment.

“It’s a great honor to represent the country. It’s one of my dreams as a kid, still one of my goals up to now,” he said, hopeful that the schedules of the B-League and Gilas won’t be in conflict.

“We’re going to take it one year at a time,” added the former Ateneo star, whose father Bong is coaching the TNT KaTropa and brother Kiefer playing for the NLEX Road Warriors.

Thirdy will put his high-flying acts on display today when he sees action in the first online dunk contest in the country amid the dreadful COVID-19 pandemic.

He will be up against UAAP stars Juan Gomez de Liaño of UP and Jamie Malonzo of La Salle in the event dubbed as “Home Jam: Dunkers Only.”

The participants will be judged by their creative and explosive slams for three rounds to be video recorded from their respective homes.

The contest begins at 2 p.m. and will be streamed live on Facebook and the Instagram account of ABS-CBN Sports.

The 23-year-old Thirdy is skipping the PBA draft for the second straight year but has sought clearance from the pro league as he pursues his plans in Japan.

The PBA is imposing sanctions on eligible players who don’t apply for the PBA rookie draft for two consecutive years. But the board will likely give Ravena’s case consideration. John Bryan Ulanday