The PBA could be an enticing option for Thirdy Ravena as he explores his options as a free agent following a gold medal run with Gilas Pilipinas in the SEA Games 2025.
Nothing’s certain yet as far as Thirdy Ravena’s immediate future in basketball.
After helping Gilas Pilipinas claim gold in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, Ravena said he is still exploring the market.
“I’m still not sure. I’m a free agent now. We’ll still see with my agent kung ano yung offers na mabibigay,” Ravena said, who was honored with his Gilas teammates at halftime of the TNT-Magnolia game in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals last Dec. 27.
The three-time UAAP champion with Ateneo is considered the trail blazer for Filipino imports after he signed with the San-en NeoPhoenix in Japan’s B.LEAGUE in 2021.
After spending four seasons in Japan, Ravena also became the first Filipino to play in the EuroLeague with Dubai Basketball, although his stint in the Middle East was ultimately cut short last month.
“It was an amazing experience kahit na I left the team early. It’s a great feeling to at least play with such environment,” he said.
“Ultimately, it’s a great blessing. Now I know what it takes to play at that level.”
Now that he is a free agent, is there a chance for Ravena to finally join the next PBA Draft?
"Wala pa naman. We’ll still see the options. Of course, the PBA will always be on my radar. It’s always been a dream for me but we have to weigh our options,” Thirdy said.
“Once na mag-usap na kami ng agent ko, doon na malalaman ‘yung possible na gawin.”
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.