Thirdy Ravena was the first to tread a new path as an Asian import in Japan four years ago.
In 2020, Thirdy Ravena made history as the first Filipino to play as an Asian import in the Japan B.League. Four years later and there are ten Pinoys suiting up for the Asia All-Stars in the B.League's All-Star Weekend.
And that's not even counting the Filipino stars in the Korean Basketball League, led by Rhenz Abando.
For the younger Ravena, who remains with the San-en NeoPhoenix, it's a welcome opportunity to showcase their skills.
"I'm happy na maraming Pinoy na pumunta rito, how the league embraced us Asian imports as well. Binigyan nila kami ng platform to showcase our skills," Ravena told the Filipino media a day before the Rising Stars challenge.
"First year ko pa lang ininclude na nila ako sa All-Star Game to add diversity to the league. Thanks to the B.League, very happy na ganito na nangyari ngayon."
He's not kidding. The B.League has made efforts to showcase its Asian imports. In the AEON Mall in Okinawa, Ryukyu Golden Kings' Carl Tamayo has been featured prominently along the escalators. The city is hosting the All-Star Weekend.
Dwight Ramos, who will be making his first appearance in the All-Star Weekend, and as captain of the Asia All-Stars at that, said it was "super cool" to have a Filipino-dominated squad.
"I think it says a lot about us. Most of the Asian imports are Filipino. Speaks for itself really," he said.
For the 32-year-old sharpshooter Matthew Wright, one of the oldest Filipino imports in the league, shared his thoughts on why neighboring countries have selected Pinoy players.
"It shows how talented Filipino basketball players are," Wright reflected, noting how the Sono Skygunners of the Korean Basketball League signed up the 41-year-old Alex Cabagnot.
"That Korean team could've gotten anybody below the age of 40. Sorry Alex!" he added, chuckling. "They chose Alex because they know how good Alex is and his accomplishments."
"Alex is a good friend of mine, somebody who I've seen work on his game, work on his body endlessly. his work ethic is one of the best I've seen," Wright said.
"It goes to show that no matter how old you are, you can be 20 or in your 40s, work ethic like that gets jobs for you."
(With reports from Randolph Leongson, Cignal TV)