By Adrian Stewart Co
Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III of San-En NeoPhoenix will miss the opportunity to compete in the Japan B.League All-Star Game later this month due to a finger injury.
The former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles standout sustained a right fourth finger metacarpal oblique fracture over the weekend in NeoPhoenix’s match against Sun Rockers Shibuya.
“I met with the team doctor and physiotherapist for my injury rehabilitation following the incident last Saturday,” the Iloilo City-native Ravena posted on Instagram on Tuesday night.
“We are now in the process of getting myself back to a hundred percent as soon as we can but I do understand that it will be an arduous journey to recovery,” Ravena added.
Last December, it was announced that the 24-year-old Ravena was chosen to participate in the B.League All-Star Game and the slam dunk contest slated on January 14 and 15 in Mito.
Ravena said that, while he was disappointed with his not participation in the All-Star festivity, he will use the break to recover from his finger injury and get back into the court.
“I’ll be taking this time to realign and refocus so that I can give you the best version of myself the next time I step on the court,” Ravena said.
The NeoPhoenix currently own the second-worst record in the league at 5-22 win-loss slate. Prior to the league break, the team is on a five-match losing skid./ASC, WDJ