THE clock is ticking on Kiefer Ravena.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday said Ravena and NLEX have to finalize their negotiations on what path the 6-foot star guard will take before the board takes action.
“Sumulat na sa akin si Kiefer last weekend. Ang sabi ko, sige, tingnan natin kasi hinihintay lang namin iyong usapan nila with NLEX tapos i-elevate ko sa board kasi board din ang nagdesisyon kung ano ang sitwasyon ni Kiefer noong huli,” Marcial said.
“I-elevate ko sa board kung ano ang pinaka-maganda at sa tingin nila makakabuti sa lahat. Depende sa magiging usapan namin with the board. Babalik ka, hanggang kailan ka? Dito ka na? So, iyon ang mga tanong,” he added.
Ravena’s one-year contract with Shiga in the Japan B. League has expired but he has been reportedly offered a new pact by the Lakestars.
Linking up anew with Shiga could pose a conflict between Ravena and the pro league board, which gave him the green light to leave the PBA and suit up overseas last year.
Under the agreement, Ravena will only play for one season in Japan.
A corresponding fine and a possible ban will be meted on Ravena if and when he fails to follow the agreement.
Ravena and his camp are reportedly trying to bargain for a new arrangement where he will see action for the Road Warriors for only the season-opening Philippine Cup that kicks off on Sunday before returning to Japan to resume his career with Shiga.
“Ang balita ko aalis siya after one conference and iyon ang kailangan kong i-discuss with the board kasi sila din ang gumawa ng kung ano ang dapat gawin sa kanya before. Kailangan within this week kasi sa June 5 na ang opening. Kailangan lang niyang bumalik,” Marcial said.
“Dito na ba siya dire-diretso, o tama ba iyong balita ko na isang conference lang siya maglalaro. So, ano na? Iyon ang kailangan naming desisyunan iyong sinabi sa akin, tatablahin ko ba iyon? So, idi-discuss ko sa board.” — Michael Jugado
