MANILA--Thirdy Ravena is officially turning pro.
The former Ateneo King Eagle is set to play for Japan's B.League squad San-En NeoPhoenix for the upcoming season.
"Ravena is the first player to sign based on 'Asian Player Quotas' in the Japan Professional Basketball League (B.League)," the NeoPhoenix said in a statement on Wednesday.
To be implemented for the first time, the Asian Player Quota allows B.League teams to sign up one homegrown Asian player each as their imports.
The B.League explained that the new rule has been placed "to enhance competitive abilities by matching with various Asian players in daily games and to expand business in the Asian market."
Ravena will look to help the Aichi-based team led by former Japanese national team members Atsuya Ota, Takanobu Nishikawa, and Hisashi Da Silva bounce back from a season worst 5-36 record the last time out.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
To be implemented for the first time, the Asian Player Quota allows B.League teams to sign up one homegrown Asian player each as their imports.
The B.League explained that the new rule has been placed "to enhance competitive abilities by matching with various Asian players in daily games and to expand business in the Asian market."
Ravena will look to help the Aichi-based team led by former Japanese national team members Atsuya Ota, Takanobu Nishikawa, and Hisashi Da Silva bounce back from a season worst 5-36 record the last time out.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno