MANILA, Philippines — The first Filipino import in Japan B. League is now the first-ever Asia Player of the Year.
Thirdy Ravena soared to new heights at the end of the B. League’s 2023-2024 season, becoming the recipient of the first Impressive Asia Player of the Year.
And the high-flying Pinoy could not be more grateful for his historic international recognition.
“Thank you, B. League. From being the first non-Japanese Asian in the league to receiving this award, it’s definitely a full-circle moment for me,” said the former UAAP MVP and champion from the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Ravena steered San-en NeoPhoenix (46-14) to a third-place finish in the regular season behind career-high averages of 12.6 points on 52-percent clip, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steal to win the Central Conference title.
San-en then bowed to eventual champion Hiroshima Dragonflies in the quarterfinals.