From Japan, Thirdy takes act to Europe

MANILA, Philippines — Thirdy Ravena blazed another trail for Filipino basketball players abroad.

After becoming the first Pinoy import in Japan in 2020, Ravena yesterday soared to new heights as the first Filipino cager for the Basketball Club (BC) Dubai, a newly-formed team in Europe’s AdmiralBet ABA League.

“We’re excited to see him shine on the court as he starts a new chapter of his journey in Dubai,” said the UAE squad.

“Hello Dubai,” said Ravena, who followed the steps of Juan Gomez de Liaño with Lithuania’s BC Wolves in a European league.

Gilas Pilipinas women captain Jack Animam was the first player from the Philippines to play in Europe with a Serbian club.