Ravena family bids emotional farewell to Japan-bound Thirdy

The Ravena family turned emotional on Thursday, October 15, in sending off former Ateneo star Thirdy, who’s set for a professional basketball debut in the Japan B. League.

Thirdy went live on Instagram as he hopped on the 6:40 am flight to Narita airport following a negative swab test taken on Tuesday.

The Ravena family won’t be able to see Thirdy, who will be suiting up for San-en NeoPhoenix, possibly for 11 months as the former Ateneo star was only granted a single-entry visa and Filipinos are currently barred from entering Japan due to the pandemic.

Father Bong, who is the head coach of TNT, and older brother Kiefer, who is playing for NLEX, were both unable to say their goodbyes as they are inside the PBA bubble in Clark.

The PBA enforces a strict no re-entry policy as part of its health protocols.

So instead, they posted photos of Thirdy accompanied with heartfelt messages on social media. (READ: As Thirdy moves to Japan, Kiefer shares own overseas experience).

“S/o to the lil bro making big waves overseas. Sad we wont be there to send you off but definitely excited for your new journey! Gotta show em what we made of,” wrote Kiefer, who had a stint in the NBA G-League with the Texas Legends as a developmental player.

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TNT coach Bong posted an artwork of him and Thirdy holding up a Finals MVP trophy and wrote: “My mini me!! Godspeed in Japan anak!! Make us all proud!! See u soonest!!!”

On the other hand, mother Mozzy posted a collage of photos with Thirdy and told him to “Be(have) the best you can be.”

“Set goals that scare you and excite you at the same time,” wrote Mozzy.

“I’m going to miss you kuya, but i know you’ve waited a long time for this. Be(have) the best that you can be. Slay like……😂 so proud of you❤ Always pray and be thankful 🙏.”

“You still owe me a dinner date, we’ll do it there soon. Love you to bits weirdo.”

The youngest Ravena Dani wished her “#1 enemy and cause of stress” good luck in his B. League stint.

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Ravena joins San-en as the league recently introduced the “Asian Player Quotas” system, allowing him to become the first Filipino to play professional basketball in Japan. – Rappler.com

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Beatrice Go

More commonly known as Bee, Beatrice Go is a multimedia sports reporter for Rappler, who covers Philippine sports governance, national teams, football, and the UAAP. Stay tuned for her news and features on Philippine sports and videos like the Rappler Athlete’s Corner and Rappler Sports Timeout.