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Thirdy Ravena to be a 'key player' for upcoming B.League season, say Neophoenix officials


San-En Neophoenix believes that Thirdy Ravena will play a crucial role in its upcoming campaign in the Japanese Professional Basketball League (B.League).

"Thirdy is the best player in his country and signing him means a lot to me," said Kenjiro Hongo, President of Phoenix Co. Ltd., in a virtual press conference Friday.

"As a member of Neophoenix, he will be a key player for this season," Hongo added.

The team officials revealed they were recruiting Ravena since January.

READ: Thirdy Ravena channels Sakuragi with fiery red hair

"We are really proud of having him in our organization," said General Manager Seiichiro Kage. "We are using Asian player quotas and Thirdy is the best guy for this."

Aside from his skill set, the team believes Ravena could bring in fans. Hongo said around 8,000 Filipinos live in Hamamatsu and Toyohashi, where Neophoenix is based.

"I'm sure that they are really proud of him and hopefully they come to the game and cheer for him," he said.

READ: Thirdy Ravena excited to play in B.League: 'Japan could actually feel like home'

For Ravena, improving the team's standing is one of his challenges. Neophoenix finished with a league-worst 5-36 record in the 2019-2020 season. 

"It would definitely be amazing if I could be of great help to the success of the club," he said. "I want to help them out and make sure that we have a better record next season."

The Japanese officials also said Ravena will pave the way for other Filipinos to play in Japan.

"When I saw Thirdy, he's like American [in terms of skill]," Hongo said. "I think Filipinos could join the B.League and they will succeed."

The second generation Ravena was the first Asian import to sign in the B.League this season. —MGP, GMA News

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