Despite not getting an invitation to the ongoing Gilas Pilipinas training bubble in Laguna, San-En NeoPhoenix guard Thirdy Ravena remains ready to suit up for the national team in future competitions.

“Definitely, if the national team calls, I will always try to make sure that we answer that call,” said the former Ateneo star Ravena during the episode of Rappler Talk Sports.

“I know [San-En NeoPhoenix] is very positive about the national team as well. They actually encourage you to play for your national team,” added Ravena, who is set to arrive in the Philippines at the end of May after completing his first season in the Japan B. League.

Although Ravena will not be joining the national team in the third and final qualifying window of the FIBA Asia Cup in Clark, Pampanga in June, the three-time UAAP Finals MVP is confident that he would be available for the FIBA Asia Cup proper in Indonesia in August.

“I don’t see any conflict as of now, because I think the Asia Cup is in August, which is two months away from the (Japan B. League) season, so I couldn’t see any reason why they wouldn’t allow me,” he said.

In his last outing with the national team, the 24-year-old Ravena finished with a team-high 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in Gilas’ 100-70 victory over Indonesia in the opening window of the qualifiers in February 2020. 

– Rappler.com