By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team point guard Kiefer Ravena will be returning to the Japan B. League after club Shiga Lakestars announced the former NLEX Road Warrior signed a contract extension.
After taking Japan by storm, Ravena will have another opportunity to take the Lakestars to the playoffs after finishing the past season with 13.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.
The Filipino superstar made immediate impact with the team and even carried them in some of the biggest games of the Japan B. League’s past season.
During their double-header showdown against the Chiba Jets featuring Japan national team’s starting point guard and former Most Valuable Player Yuki Togashi, Ravena rose to the occasion and outdueled him in both games.
Ravena had 14 points and nine assists during the first game while Togashi only had 10 points on 4/12 shooting but was able to steal the win away from the Lakestars, 99-88.
During their second encounter, Ravena completely outdueled Togashi after finishing with 27 points, 10 assists, and three steals while the Japanese guard went scoreless in the contest.
Despite a losing record of 14-43 after the 2021-2022 season, Ravena and the rest of the Lakestars will be entering the new season with high hopes after bringing in more reinforcements.
Ravena spent the summer playing for Gilas and was a part of the official roster during the Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA Asia Cup.
“I’m excited to be back and play for you guys once again! This will be a great season for us and I know the boosters will have fun supporting the team this year,” Ravena said.
