NLEX coach Yeng Guiao praised Kiefer Ravena for keeping a full commitment to his PBA duties despite the controversial signing with the Japanese club Shiga Lakestars in the offseason.
Guiao said Ravena has not caused any distraction within the NLEX camp ever since the Lakestars announcement started a saga that saw the PBA reject his planned Japan stint due to his live pact with the Road Warriors.
"It's a tribute to his character. It's a tribute to his upbringing. Kilala ko 'yung pamilya nila e. Kilala ko 'yung pamilya naman nila,” Guiao said after NLEX’s 94-75 win over defending Philippine Cup champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Sunday, July 18 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“Si Kiefer, he's able to focus on the job at hand. That's the professionalism that he has. Anuman mangyari roon sa mga issues in the future, pwedeng isantabi muna 'yun at magfocus muna kami sa mga laro namin. So he's been doing that.”
Ravena kept attending NLEX practices in Pampanga in the weeks leading up to the season opener even if the issue has yet to reach a final resolution as seen when he was included in Shiga's provisional opening day roster for the 2021-22 B.League season.
The Gilas Pilipinas veteran has also put up good numbers in the first two games of the 46th season’s opening conference, posting 21.0 points and 6.0 assists.
NLEX could have started the Philippine Cup among the early leaders at 2-0, but dropped an 83-82 decision to Rain or Shine on opening day last July 16.
“He's not been a distraction. Hindi siya naging distraction whatsoever. He's still the same Kiefer that we know from the very beginning,” added Guiao.