Despite current contract status, Kiefer Ravena thanks PBA board for support

Even if his fate of moving to Japan is now in its hands, Kiefer Ravena still thanked the PBA board for its support. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Despite a sudden uncertainty on how his decision to sign with the Shiga Lakestars would affect his current contract with the NLEX Road Warriors, Kiefer Ravena thanked the PBA board of governors for the support it has given him and his fellow PBA players.

"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," Ravena said on Wednesday night.

The fate of Ravena's future endeavors as a basketball pro would now essentially lie on the decision of the PBA board.

Shiga rocked the Philippine basketball community earlier in the day after announcing the signing of Ravena.

However, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said that Ravena cannot leave the league due to the uniform player contract rules.

Meanwhile, Ravena calls his impending move to the B.League a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Thank you for the trust and belief that a Filipino can perform and play in such a prestigious league," he said in gratitude to the Lakestars.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno