Thirdy Ravena writes letter to PBA regarding contract extension with San-En NeoPhoenix

Not wanting to be face the specter of being banned in the PBA in the near future, Thirdy Ravena wrote a letter to the league informing them of his decision to play in Japan for at least two more years.

Ravena’s father, current TNT assistant coach Bong Ravena, bared that his son touched base with league officials Tuesday evening.

“It’s courtesy to commissioner Willie (Marcial), chairman Ricky Vargas, and to the PBA Board,” wrote the Tropang Giga deputy in a text message to ESPN5.

Commissioner Willie Marcial, meanwhile, confirmed that he has already received the said letter from the younger brother of NLEX Road Warriors guard Kiefer Ravena.

“Sinabi niya na nag-renew siya sa Japan, ilang taon pa daw siya doon. Tapos sinabi niya na nagka-setback siya sa COVID-19 at injuries niya, at okay naman siya sa B.League,” said Marcial.

The need to inform the pro league despite the absence of any contractual obligations stems from a new rule which allows the association to prohibit a player from joining the draft if he fails to apply two years after his last playing year in college.

The 24-year old Ravena certainly falls under that category having played his final year with Ateneo de Manila in 2019.

Marcial, however, clarified that the 3-time UAAP FInals MVP won’t have any issues with the ‘draft-dodger’ rule.

“Wala namang aaksyunan doon. Congratulations to Thirdy, good for him. Wala naman akong maiko-comment doon.”

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