NLEX has offered Kiefer Ravena a one-year deal before he heads back to Japan’s B.League for another stint with the Shiga Lakestars.
Coach Yeng Guiao bared the Road Warriors’ counteroffer, which is lengthier compared to Ravena’s bid to play the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup before suiting up for a second season with the Lakestars.
“Now the ball’s on their court,” Guiao said during the PBA Media Day held Thursday, June 2 at Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City, referring to Ravena and his camp.
“It’s up for them now to agree to the offer or not, so yun ang situation namin ngayon.”
Negotiations continue between Ravena and NLEX management and the situation is being closely monitored by the PBA.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial earlier in the week said the league will decide whether to allow Ravena to play in time for Season 47 once the two sides agree to terms.
Ravena recently sent a written letter to Marcial, asking if he can head back to Japan once the first conference concludes. The PBA last year allowed the second-generation cager to play overseas on the condition that he returns to NLEX.
“May mga points na di kami nagkakatugma pa,” said Guiao. “We made the best offer possible, so sa caliber naman ni Kiefer yung max (contract) naman talaga ibibigay namin sa kanya, and siguro if he wants it more than one year, mas maganda.”
As talks continue, Ravena is taking part in NLEX’s preparations such as regular practices and a recent team building seminar in Bulacan, something Guiao and the Road Warriors truly appreciate.
“We appreciate his sincerity to come back and play for us, kasi andyan siya everyday kahit wala pang kontrata,” the Road Warriors mentor said.