NLEX scraps rumors of Ravena leaving PBA PH Cup for Japan stint

Kiefer Ravena will still play for NLEX in the ongoing PBA Phil. Cup (PBA Images)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Rumors have been spreading that NLEX Road Warriors’ superstar Kiefer Ravena already left the Philippines to pursue his stint with the Shiga Lakestars in the Japan B. League.

However, NLEX team official Ronald Dularte was quick to counter the claims after announcing that Ravena did leave for Japan but to process his visa/immigration.

“He will fly to Japan to process his visa/immigration and other B.League requirements since the Japan Government set a deadline for all the imports entry,” Dularte confirmed with the Tiebreaker Times.

Dularte also added that the shooting guard will still go back to the Philippines and play the remaining games for the team in the ongoing PH Cup to be held at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor instead of the Angeles University Foundation where the last bubble was held.

The Road Warriors already began their 2021 PBA campaign and are currently placed sixth with a 2-2 win-loss record behind Magnolia, TNT, Meralco, San Miguel, and Rain or Shine.

In all of NLEX’s four games, Ravena was present and displayed his usual point production including his outstanding performance against defending champions Brgy. Ginebra when he led the team with 19 points and five assists.

Ravena’s return to the country is still yet to be determined as the halted Philippine Cup is expected to resume in the first week of September.