Filipino guard Kiefer Ravena (15) (Photo courtesy of PBA image)
MANILA – Filipino combo guard Kiefer Ravena is set to join the Shiga Lakestars of the B.League in Japan.
In a statement on Wednesday, Shiga said Ravena will join the team through the Asian Player Quota.
"We look forward to Ravena's success in B.League Japan, as well as being a connection bridge between Shiga Prefecture, Japan and Philippines," the Lakestars said.
Ravena became the second Filipino to be signed to a B.League squad following the signing of his younger brother Thirdy to the San-En NeoPhoenix last season.
Shiga, which finished 23-36 last season, is actually on a rebuild as a new head coach comes in through Spanish gaffer Luis Guil Torres.
Both Kiefer Ravena and Torres will be formally introduced on Monday in a press conference.
Road block?
However, Ravena may still need to hurdle one crucial step before joining the B.League.
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Willie Marcial said later in the day the combo guard might encounter contract disputes with the league.
Marcial said Ravena is bound under a uniform player contract not just with his current team, the NLEX Road Warriors, but also with the PBA.
With this, Ravena, who just signed a new contract with the Road Warriors last September, might not be allowed to move elsewhere, particularly to the Lakestars. (PNA)
