Thirdy Ravena admits that playing in the PBA has always been a dream following his stint with Dubai Basketball Club

Filipino basketball star Thirdy Ravena is entering a new chapter in his career after completing a historic stint with Dubai Basketball Club in the EuroLeague. With his contract in the United Arab Emirates now expired, the 29-year-old shooting guard is exploring his next move — and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) remains a tantalizing possibility.

Despite his decorated career with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Ravena has yet to play in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league. He was originally expected to enter the PBA Draft in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the event. Instead, Ravena signed with the San-En NeoPhoenix in Japan’s B. League, becoming the first-ever player signed under the league’s Asian Quotas system for non-Japanese Asian imports.

While he keeps his options open, Ravena admits that a PBA stint has long been a personal dream.

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“Wala pa naman. We will still see the options but of course, the PBA will always be on my radar. It’s always been a dream for me but we will wait for options. Once na mag-usap na kami agent ko, doon na malalaman ‘yung possible na gawin,” Ravena told reporters.

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After helping Gilas win gold in the #SEAGames2025, Thirdy Ravena talks about what’s next for his career 🇵🇭🏀

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Under current PBA rules, players who bypass the draft are banned from the league for two years. At the time, Ravena sent a letter to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and the board of governors explaining his decision to pursue opportunities abroad. However, the rule would not apply should he choose to enter the Annual Rookie Draft in January 2027 — still more than a year away.

Though he has yet to play in the PBA, Ravena has consistently represented Gilas Pilipinas since his first call-up in 2019. Most recently, he was a key contributor to the Philippine national team at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, helping the squad defeat the host country to capture the gold medal.

“Four years kong hinintay itong opportunity na ito. Noong nag-silver kami noon, parang may chip on my shoulder ngayon so nung nanalo kami ng gold, it’s a good revenge. It’s redemption, hindi lang para sakin kasi may mga teammates din ako noon. It’s for them and coach Chot Reyes as well,” Ravena said, reflecting on the triumph.

As Ravena weighs his next professional move, the PBA — the league that many Filipino hoop fans have long hoped to see him in — remains firmly on the horizon.

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