WILL the PBA reconsider its decision thumbing down NLEX star Kiefer Ravena from suiting up as an import in the Japan B. League now?
That’s the fervent wish of Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc, part owner of the Espiritu-Manotoc Basketball Management (EMBM) that handles the career of Ravena.
“Iyong kay Kiefer… well, medyo political siguro, but I’ve always been an advocate for the player. I mean, we’re agents, so talagang biased po kami,” Manotoc said last Tuesday in the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
“I think the PBA, hopefully, can consider the player and his welfare and his financial career,” he added.
The 6-foot Ravena was signed by Shiga Lakestars last June 2 to play under the Asian Player Quotas but only three days later the PBA thumbed down Ravena’s plan to follow the path taken by younger brother Thirdy.
The league said Kiefer, 27, cannot play in Japan and must honor the three-year pact he inked with the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned ball club last year.
Manotoc is keeping his fingers crossed the pro league will have a change of heart.
“Hopefully there are compromises and concessions that can be made sa mga players po natin,” the son of golfer and multi-titled PBA coach Tommy Manotoc and Sen. Imee Marcos said in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., and powered by Smart and Upstream Media as official webcast partner.
“You guys know better than me, na wala po tayong Players Union, and so on and so forth. So, I hope the rights of our players can also be at the forefront.”
