Filipino fans are now eagerly awaiting a possible early family feud showdown between Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena as the Japan B. League has set back-to-back opener matchups between the San-en NeoPhoenix and the Shiga Lakestars on October 2 and 3.
However, as many fans know by now, Kiefer is in the middle of a controversial contract dispute as he has yet to receive clearance away from his current NLEX Road Warriors stint in the PBA while already being on Shiga’s final 12-man roster. (READ: PBA on Kiefer Ravena joining Japan B. League: ‘Hindi puwede’)
On the other hand, Thirdy is all ready for redemption after he signed a multi-year extension with a lowly San-en side that finished with a 12-47 record, good for second-worst in the Division I 20-team field.
Thirdy finished his injury-plagued pro debut season with averages of 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just 18 out of 59 games.
Not only did he get sidelined with COVID-19, but the former three-time UAAP Finals MVP also needed to quickly recover from hand and knee injuries that saddled him throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Kiefer continued his stellar play at home in the PBA, and normed 19.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the historic 2020 bubble season.
If the PBA stands firm with its hold on the elder Ravena, then he will miss out not only some matches with his younger brother, but also some games against another UAAP alum, Javi Gomez de Liaño, who has signed with Shiga’s next opponent after San-en, the Ibaraki Robots.
Javi, who signed shortly after his younger brother Juan settled with B. League Division II team Earthfriends Tokyo Z, will also make his debut on October 2 and 3, as Ibaraki faces the Akita Northern Happinets. – Rappler.com
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