NLEX STAR Kiefer Ravena left yesterday for Japan so his visa, immigration and other requirements as an Asian import for Shiga Lakestars in the B.League could be processed.
Road Warriors official Ronald Dulatre assured Ravena will rejoin the Road Warriors once he completes his requirements.
“He will fly to Japan to process all requirements since the Japan government set a deadline for all imports entry. After completing all requirements, he will come back here to play the remaining games of NLEX,” Dulatre was quoted as saying by online sports website Spin.ph.
“We expect him to be back once all his B. League requirements are done,” he added.
The deadline set by the Japanese government lapsed yesterday.
The 6-foot Ravena did not join NLEX when it left for Pampanga last Monday for the restart of the PBA Philippine Cup early next month.
Ravena, 27, linked up with Shiga 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 finish his stint for the Road Warriors in the import-less tourney and will only play for one season in Japan.
A corresponding fine will be meted on Ravena if he fails to follow the pact.
The PBA also decided to fine the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned ballclub for allowing Ravena to sign with the Shiga Lakestars despite having a live three-year contract with the team and a Unified Players Contract (UPC) with the PBA which is viewed as a tripartite agreement.
The amount of the fine was not divulged, however.
A former two-time UAAP MVP and ‘King Eagle,’ Ravena showed the way for NLEX with 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in last year’s PBA Philippine Cup bubble in Clark.
The Road Warriors wound up with a 5-6 record for ninth.
The oldest son of former TNT coach Bong and former volleyball star Mozzy, Ravena, who is also the Gilas Pilipinas skipper, was the No. 2 pick overall of NLEX in the PBA draft in 2017.
