Local artist reimagines Thirdy Ravena as a character from ‘Slam Dunk’

Thirdy Ravena lives up to the hype in the Japan B. League.

As an Asian import from San-En NeoPhoenix, Ravena received an overwhelming welcome from the Japanese community. But the Filipinos would not be left out of the picture, of course.

Ahead of Ravenna’s first game on Saturday, Filipino artist Allyn Martin paid tribute to the former Athenaeum standout by drawing him as a manga character.

Giving off a Slamdunk vibe, Martin posted four different panels of his artwork to his @martinallynns Instagram account.

The artwork referenced Slam Dunk, a hit sports manga and basketball anime series by Takehiko Inoue, which has also previously aired on Philippine television.

Ravena acknowledged the dedicated artwork by reposting it to her Instagram story and leaving a comment on Martin’s post.

While the PBA has its own “Pinoy Sakuragi” in Magnolia’s Marc Pingris and “Pinoy Fukuda” in Jackson Corpuz, the 23-year-old Ravenna probably bore the closest resemblance as of now.

Slam Dunk’s main protagonist, Hanamichi Sakuragi, sported a unique red pompadour hairstyle in the initial parts of the series before sporting a haircut later on.

Ravenna also decided on a style change by joining San-En, and now she looks the same as Sakuragi dyed pink.

After winning his debut match on Saturday against Susanoo Shimane Magic, 83-82, at the Yonago Industrial Gymnasium, Ravena left an extra message for his supporters and San-En fans.

“Hi guys, I just want to make a video to thank you,” Ravena said on her Instagram story. “The support is really great and the love we feel for the team, I really feel here in Japan.

“Too overwhelming to be honest, but I hope they continue to support me [at] your follow-up. Thank you very much to everyone who watched the game. I hope we continue to support our team here at San-En Neophoenix, ”added Ravena, who had an instant impact with San-En after scoring 13 points, two rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes of play.