Kiefer Ravena is set to follow the lead of his younger brother Thirdy after signing a contract to play for the Japanese club Shiga Lakestars.
The B.League side made the announcement Wednesday, June 2, months since rumors swirled that the NLEX Road Warriors could take his talents to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Shiga made little details about the deal, only mentioning in that Ravena is signed for the 2021-22 season and will be registered under the B.League “Asian Player Quota” rule.
【#15 Kiefer Ravena 選手契約（新規）締結】 滋賀レイクスターズはキーファー・ラベナ選手と2021-22シーズン選手契約を締結いたしましたのでご報告いたします。 We are very pleased to announce that we have signed a new player for the 2021-22 Season with Kiefer Ravena.@kieferravena pic.twitter.com/WdOKcLt6iP
— 滋賀レイクスターズ【SHIGA LAKESTARS】 (@shigalakestars) June 2, 2021
It is still unknown as of posting time if the deal has the blessings of NLEX management or the PBA since Ravena has a live contract.
Ravena has even participated in NLEX’s recent practices in Pampanga, though coach Yeng Guiao acknowledged in mid-March that the national team veteran received a “pretty good offer” to play in Japan.
Reaction from the Road Warriors and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial remain unavailable.
Ravena’s impending move to Japan came months after Thirdy completed his injury-riddled campaign with the San-En Neophoenix.