By JONAS TERRADO
Thirdy Ravena acknowledged that it will take time for him to make a full recovery from an injured right hand he suffered in a recent Japan B.League game with San-En Neophoenix.
Ravena is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a right fourth finger metacarpal oblique fracture in the Neophoenix’s 81-80 loss to the Shibuya Sun Rockers last Saturday.
“We are now in the process of getting myself back to 100 percent as we can but I do understand that it will an arduous journey to recovery,” Ravena said on his Instagram account after meeting the Neophoenix’s team doctor and physiotherapist Monday.
“With the help of my ever-supportive teammates and our hardworking team staff at San-En, I am fully focused on getting back and making sure I return fitter and stronger than ever,” Ravena added.
It was the latest setback to hit Ravena after testing positive for COVID-19 that forced him to miss three games in early-December.
Ravena is averaging 8.8 points on 37-percent shooting with 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 12 games for San-En, which sits near the bottom of the league with a 5-22 record.
He suffered the injury in the third quarter against the Sun Rockers during a looseball situation before leaving the game with 5:30 left in the same period.
The 24-year-old is also grateful for the well-wishes from San-En supporters and fans back home.
“I would like to send my thanks to everyone who reached out during this difficult time, especially to the San-En Neophoenix fans; I’m so overwhelmed with the love and support you have been sending me.
“I’ll be taking time to realign and refocus so that I can give you the best version of myself the next time I step on the court. See you all soon,” Ravena said.
