Thirdy Ravena is always making his way to bring the Filipino pride overseas.
After becoming the first Filipino basketball player to compete in the Japan B.League, Ravena aims to become the first Filipino to play in the EuroLeague.
The 6-foot-2 guard earned much exposure as he plays for the Dubai Basketball Club (Dubai BC), which recently joined the ABA league last year.
Ravena said that in his second season with Dubai BC, he has the potential to see him play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world outside the NBA.
“We’re officially joining the EuroLeague next year. So that’s very exciting, and hopefully we make it happen,” Ravena said during contract signing with ArenaPlus, via Daily Tribune. “My agent told me to give him two or three weeks to lay everything out for me. So I’m still in that window of waiting for what offers will come and whether or not the team would want me to resign for next year.”
Aside from being the first Filipino, he could also be the first Asian to play in the EuroLeague, which might impact the recruitment of Asian players in the tournament.
“If I ever do get to play in the EuroLeague and be named the first ever Asian in EuroLeague history to play, not just Filipino, it’s a big pressure, but a big privilege.”
Dubai BC will be one of the three teams to make their EuroLeague debut in the 2025-2026 season, along with Valencia Basket of Spain and Hapoel Tel Aviv of Israel.
Before his Dubai stint, he played for San-en NeoPhoenix in Japan, allowing him to gain recognition in the international scene.
The 28-year-old has played four years professionally in Japan, is a three-time All-Star, and was awarded the B.League Impressive Asia Player of the Year in 2024. He also played college basketball in the Philippines, being a three-time champion with three-time finals MVP.
Ravena also played for the national team in the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup 2019 and 2023 Asian Qualifiers.
