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| Despite recently entering free agency, Kiefer Ravena is staying in the Japan B.League. Japan B.League |
MANDALUYONG--Kiefer Ravena confirmed on Saturday that he will still play in the Japan B.League even if he already left Yokohama.
Taking over the Asian Player Quota spot left behind by Kai Sotto, Ravena joined the B-Corsairs in 2024, and at the end of the team's campaign this season, both camps decided to part ways, making the six-foot second generation star a free agent.
The 33-year-old son of PBA legend Bong Ravena, though, said that he still wants to play outside the Philippines for a little longer.
"I still want to play overseas. I think my body can still play overseas. I'm going back to Japan next season," Kiefer said in Day 3 of the B.League Final Week Manila at the SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall.
He also revealed that he just agreed in terms with another B.League team.
"I'm switching to another team next season. I can't say where. Abangan nyo na lang yung announcement," Ravena said.
While this means he won't be making an immediate return to NLEX for the PBA Governors' Cup, Ravena is still not closing the door of making a comeback to the team that picked him second overall in the 2017 draft.
"Of course, I'm not ruling an NLEX return out. I'm just trying to maximize my career right now. I've always loved playing with NLEX, and I really owe a lot to the management and the team. For now. I got to think of myself and maximizing my opportunities overseas," Ravena said.
He even looks forward to the day he teams up with the current Road Warriors roster led by superstar Robert Bolick and rookie supersub LJay Gonzales.
"The future is bright, and if ever there comes a time na makabalik ako with those guys, it's going to make my job a lot easier knowing that those guys can really perform. And I'll just be on the sidelines monitoring and mentoring those guys and the future players," Ravena said.
Ravena first graced the watch party for Game 1 of the B.League Finals, where Ryukyu escaped with a 71-69 win against Nagasaki at the Yokohama Arena, before leading a kiddie basketball clinic later in the day.
