By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Kiefer Ravena will officially play in the Japan B. League under the Shiga Lakestars after receiving his clearance to play from the NLEX Road Warriors and the PBA.
Initially, the plan was to be with head coach Yeng Guiao and the Road Warriors until the end of the PBA Philippine Cup but things changed when the league had to temporarily stop due to the lockdown imposed in Metro Manila.
Now that the Road Warriors have qualified in the PBA Playoffs, the team will be without Ravena as he is still in Japan.
However, NLEX team manager Ronald Dulatre confirmed that they will only be granting Ravena one season donning the Lakestars jersey.
“If he does not return to the Philippines, that’s when the 27-year-old combo guard will be handed a sanction by the league,” said Dulatre.
Ravena’s decision was initially barred by the PBA board, stating that he violated the rules under the Uniform Player Contract (UPC) but later on received the green light from commissioner Willie Marcial.
Currently, Kiefer is preparing for his Japan debut when he clashes with his brother Thirdy and the San-En NeoPhoenix this coming October 2.
