PBA approves Ravena’s Japan stint
Kiefer Ravena heaved a sigh of relief after the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) board of governors gave him the green light to see action for Shiga Lakestars in the Japanese B.League.
In a press briefing, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial announced that they already gave Ravena their blessing to play in Japan provided that he meets some conditions being sought by the PBA board of governors.
Topping these conditions is the agreement that Ravena will finish his commitment with the Road Warriors in the ongoing
Philippine Cup before packing his bags for Japan.
He is also being required to return as soon as his stint with the Lakestars are over so he can resume his commitment with the Road Warriors.
Marcial said these conditions are the win-win solution both for the league, NLEX and Ravena.
“We have already allowed Kiefer to play abroad since we have already laid down all the conditions. We just want to make sure that it will not be a precedent,” Marcial said in a virtual press briefing.
“We told Kiefer that he will be facing sanctions if he does not return to the country. In return, he agreed to go back no matter what.”
We have already allowed Kiefer to play abroad since we have already laid down all the conditions. We just want to make sure that it will not be a precedent.
Marcial stressed that the Road Warriors were also fined with an undisclosed amount for allowing Ravena to sign with the Lakestars despite their existing pact.
Ravena found himself in the center of a massive controversy after he signed a deal with the Lakestars despite his existing three-year deal with the Road Warriors.
Although sources claimed that his move had the approval of the NLEX management, the league frowned on his decision and reminded him that he is bound by the Uniform Player Contract until 2023.
Surprisingly, the league had a change of heart and found a way to craft a solution that would be beneficial to the interest of all parties.
“I want to thank the PBA for allowing me to play for Shiga Lakestars next season,” Ravena said in a statement.
“The members of the PBA board of governors had been very gracious throughout the process and I want to thank them for their patience and professionalism.
With everything now final settled, Ravena is tipped to fly to Japan when the Philippine Cup ends around October — just in time for the opening of the B.League.
He will be joining the growing list of young Filipino talents in Japan including his brother Thirdy on San-En NeoPhoenix, brothers Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño of Division 2 club Earthfriends Tokyo Z and Ibaraki Robots and San Beda product Kenmark Carino of Aomori Wat’s.
Controversial cager Ray Parks Jr. has reportedly been released by TNT, as he is also expected to play for the B.League soon.
“I’m very much excited to play for Shiga this season and I’m excited to wave the Philippine flag and prove that Filipinos can,” Ravena said.
“I’ll be back next year to suit up for the NLEX Road Warriors and play in front of our fans.”