Kiefer Ravena thanks NLEX, PBA for 'blessing' to join Shiga

Kiefer Ravena has sent a message of thanks to his PBA team NLEX for supporting his decision to sign with Japan's B.League's Shiga Lakestars.

In a statement, Ravena said he appreciates the "blessing" he received from NLEX management for the "next stage of his career." 

"I would also like to thank my NLEX Road Warriors Family and Management. To Boss MVP, Boss Rod Franco, Boss Ronald, Coach Yeng 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," he said through his social media account.  

He also thanked the PBA for "always supporting him."

"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.

Ravena's statement on his social media account, however, is contrary to an earlier NLEX management statement which said that it was leaving it up to the PBA to decide on Ravena's Japan engagement.

"We understand and support Kiefer’s desire for personal advancement. However, as a member of the PBA, we are duty bound to abide by the rules and regulations that govern the league," the club said in a statement posted on the NLEX's team website. 

"The Japan engagement of Kiefer will need to conform to the terms of the UPC as well as the rules and policies of the PBA."

Even PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the league's rules bar Ravena from signing with a different club in a different league.

"Hindi pwede," Marcial told ABS-CBN News in a phone interview.

Marcial said he and Ravena had "informal talks" on Tuesday regarding this development, and he informed the player that it was against the PBA's rules and regulations.

"Kasi may UPC (uniform player contract), may UPC sa atin. May kontrata sa atin eh. So, masasabi ko lang, hindi pupwede," he said.

Meanwhile, Ravena also thanked Shiga Lakestars for signing him.

"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. Domo arigatou gozaimasu," he said.

He also assured the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas he will remain committed to the Gilas Pilipinas program and will suit up for the team if needed.

He also urged fans to support him in Japan B.League.

"Lastly, to the fans, I hope you join me in this journey. I am proud to carry the flag and to say that I am a Filipino. I will continue to give glory to my countrymen and women in any way I can. Please continue to support me."

https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/02/21/kiefer-ravena-thanks-nlex-pba-for-blessing-to-join-shiga