ACE guard Kiefer Ravena was officially welcomed by the Shiga Lakerstars in the Japan B. League the other day and, by the way he sounded, he may no longer return for the PBA Philippine Cup in Bacolor, Pampanga.
In an online interview, he said he and his Shiga teammates are raring to win a title in the new season of the Japan B. League.
“As brothers, we know we bring out the best in one another. Hope we can do that and provide our team the need for us to win,” Ravena said. “Definitely, I’ll be doing my best for my team to come out on top.”
The 6-foot NLEX star got the needed clearance from the PBA and the Road Warriors to suit up in the Japan league months back on the understanding that, after he completes his requirements as an import in the Japan league, he will return to finish the Philippine Cup for NLEX and then return to Japan.
Ravena, 27, linked up with the Lakestars last June but was initially not allowed by the pro league to bring his act overseas.
After a change of heart from the PBA, Ravena was given the green light to suit up for the squad under some conditions. Under the agreement, Ravena will only play for one season in Japan
Coach Yeng Guiao was not available for comment yesterday.
While relishing the opportunity to play against fellow Filipino Asian imports, including his brother Thirdy, Ravena said he will be all business when they battle each other.
“This is a great honor for my family, but when game time comes, it’s difficult because we can’t treat each other as brothers,” Ravena said. “We have to play against one another just like any other team against any other opponent.”
He said like his stints with Ateneo in the UAAP and NLEX, he seemed destined to play for the Lakestars.
“Back when I was in college during my university days, our team color was also blue and also my club team in the pro, we also wore blue. So, I’m used to wearing blue, and I’m excited to wear my jersey with Shiga,” Ravena said.
“As you said it’s destiny playing for another team that represents team color blue. It’s a new journey for me.”
Ravena said he is excited to see action for Shiga and begin a new chapter in his career.
“Just being excited here, hoping to bring a lot of pride, intensity, heart I can bring for the team and hopefully, get a championship for Shiga. I’m really excited to see where I am as a player and have improved even more,” he said.
“We have an Olympic coach in coach Torres and I’m just excited to learn from each and every one of my teammates, management, and our staff. Just allow myself to grow with Shiga.”
The PBA fined the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned ballclub for allowing Ravena to sign with the Lakestars despite having a live three-year contract with the team and a Unified Players Contract (UPC) with the PBA. The amount of the fine was not divulged.
A former two-time UAAP MVP and “King Eagle,” Ravena showed the way for the Road Warriors with 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in last year’s PBA Philippine Cup bubble in Clark.
