NLEX coach Yeng Guiao is convinced prized guard Kiefer Ravena will return.
What gnaws at the fiery tactician is when– and if Ravena indeed comes back home, how soon?
“Committed siyang bumalik, pero ang tanong, kailan?” Guiao posed on Radyo5 92.3 News FM’s Power and Play program hosted by former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala. “Iyon ang problema, baka matagal.”
The 6-foot Ravena linked up with the Lakestars as an Asian import in the B. League 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 team under some conditions — that he will only play for one season in the Land of the Rising Sun. He faces a fine if he fails to honor the pact.
Guiao admitted the sudden departure of Ravena, 27, took a big toll on the Road Warriors’ campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup in Bacolor, Pampanga where they wound up No. 7 after the elimination round and lost to No. 2 Meralco in their quarterfinals duel.
“You must remember noong nawala si Kiefer, he was leading the league in assists, and he was also leading the league in three-point percentage,” Guiao said. “Iyon ang hindi namin napunuan agad.”
Ravena was good for 15.6 points, to go with 3.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.8 steals in four matches for NLEX before his stint was cut short when he left the country for Japan.
After six games, Ravena is averaging 12.2 points and 5.4 assists (fourth and second bests in the team, respectively) per game for the Lakestars, who are tied for first in the league’s West District with a 5-1 card.
