Thirdy Ravena’s work ethic leads to lucrative payday with Dubai BC
Photos courtesy of: @3rd_e / @neophoenix_official / @dubaibasketballclub (Instagram)
It was officially announced on Tuesday, July 30, that trailblazing Filipino basketball standout Thirdy Ravena has signed with a new team: Dubai Basketball Club.
The newly-formed basketball franchise specified that the three-time UAAP Finals MVP and champion has signed a two-year contract with the latter year being an option, although it is unspecified if it is a team or player option. This is the latest stop in the 27-year-old’s already-impressive playing career which includes successful stints with Ateneo in the UAAP and San-en Neo Phoenix in the Japan B. League.
He was acknowledged as the first ever Asia Player of the Year in Japan last season, but Ravena departed the B. League after his contract expired. He then spent time training at Irvine, California in the USA . This stint included pick-up games with and against former Golden State Warrior and now Dallas Maverick Splash Brother Klay Thompson, as well as other professional-caliber ballers.
Thirdy is expected to make his debut with Dubai Basketball Club when they begin their Admiral Bet ABA League campaign against defending champion Crvena Zvezda in September.
“As Dubai Basketball prepares to step onto the court for the first time in the ABA League, all eyes will be on us. The team is ready to give their all, leaving everything on the court in pursuit of victory. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce, but Dubai Basketball is determined to make a statement in this, our inaugural game,” the team stated in a press release on their website.
According to a source who monitored Ravena’s signing with Dubai BC, his new team is expected to compete in leagues such as the Adriatic League, Dubai Cup, and Euro Cup.
The same source mentioned that Ravena’s financial reward with his new team surpasses the reward Filipino players could get in the KBL and is competitive with offers from the B. League.
Thirdy is guaranteed at least $500,000 if he plays the next two seasons, the source said. That figure would only increase when accounting for possible bonuses with regards to individual performances and team success.
Ravena follows the path laid by homegrown talents such as Jack Animan and Juan Gomez De Liaño when it comes to playing in Europe, but is the first to do so for a Dubai-based basketball club.
Thirdy was the original Japan B. League trailblazers and it looks like he’s got a opportunity to start another trend that will help grow the earning potential and development of Filipino basketball hopefuls for the years to come.