Kiefer Ravena thanked the management of the NLEX Road Warriors in supporting his decision to sign with the Shiga Lakestars in Japan.
Ravena in a Facebook post Wednesday, June 2, expressed gratitude to the Road Warriors management “for giving me your blessing and backing me in this next stage of my career.”
His appreciation to NLEX came minutes after the team said his Japan stint should conform to the terms of the league’s Uniform Players Contract despite understanding Ravena’s “desire for personal advancement.”
“To Boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), Boss Rod Franco (NLEX governor), Boss Ronald (Dulatre), Coach Yeng (Guiao) and all my teammates, maraming salamat. The support you have given me all throughout my stay has given me nothing but joy and great memories. Our dream of winning a championship will always be there. I am and will always be proud of this family. Thank you for giving me your blessing and backing me in this next stage of my career,” Ravena said.
He also showed his appreciation to the PBA Board of Governors for “always supporting me” despite the current league rules which could prevent Ravena from pushing through with his Lakestars stint.
“To the PBA and The Board of Governors, thank you for always supporting me. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity you have given us athletes,” he said.
Shiga announced earlier in the day the signing of Ravena for the 2021-22 B.League under the “Asian Player Quota” rule.
“I would like to thank my team, Shiga Lakestars, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you for the trust and belief that a Filipino can perform and play in such a prestigious league,” said Ravena.
Ravena also reaffirmed his commitment to the Gilas Pilipinas program while hoping that the fans would “join me in this journey.”