Thirdy Ravena looks forward to playing opposite long time friend Kobe Paras in B.League

Filipino basketball fans have another exciting matchup to look forward to in the Japan Professional Basketball League (B.League) as Thirdy Ravena and the San-En Neophoenix go against Kobe Paras and the Niigata Albirex BB this weekend.

Ravena said he is excited about the matchup against his long time friend.

"It's such an exciting feeling because Kobe and I, we go way way back. We've been teammates since we were nine or 10 years old," Ravena said in a virtual press conference Wednesday for his docu-film "Local Hero" on Vivamax. 

The former Ateneo standout recalled being with Paras back in grade school in La Salle Green Hills and playing against each other in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines when Paras played for the University of the Philippines.

"Kobe and I have been friends for a long time so it's really fun. It's exciting that we will also go up against each other here in Japan," Ravena said in a mix of Filipino and English.

"I'm very happy for him, he's gone through so much in his life and I'm very happy where he's at right now. I wish him all the best," he added.

While the two players share a bond off the court, it will be a different scenario when they play this weekend.

"This weekend, mukhang magkalaban muna kami (we'll be opponents first)," Ravena said in jest. "It's gonna be very exciting  and at the same time, it's something the Filipino people would hopefully be proud of once again."

The San-En Neophoenix had split results when they played Kiefer Ravena's Shiga Lakestars last week.

Paras, meanwhile, exploded for 25 points in his first game with Niigata on Saturday. Niigata also split their games at the end of B.League's opening weekend.

—MGP, GMA News