MANILA – Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena is not returning to Philippine Basketball Association anytime soon after signing a contract extension with the Shiga Lakes in the Japan B.League.
The Lakes announced on Wednesday the return of the former NLEX Road Warriors guard for the third straight year as their Asian Quota Player as the squad was relegated to Division 2.
Ravena, a former standout of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, has promised that the Lakes will bounce back after struggling in the previous season which led to their relegation.
“It’s a new day for everybody. The past is done and we all look forward to what’s next. Thank you for believing in us every game,” Ravena said in a statement released by the squad.
“It’s a new journey for Shiga and with your support, we know we can all get back to where we once were,” he added. “Everybody will get better from this and I’m sure the results will be better as well!”
In the 2022–23 season where Shiga ended with 14-46 record, the Gilas Pilipinas guard recorded averages of 10.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 49 games played.
Meanwhile, aside from Ravena, Filipino center Kai Sotto also came to terms with the Hiroshima Dragonflies for a new deal for the 2023-2024 season provided that he will not be signed in the NBA.
“Kai has an option to sign with an NBA team, so if he signs with an NBA team this summer, there is a possibility that his contract with Hiroshima will be cancelled,” the team said in a statement.
“I am so grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity, and I am happy to have the chance to play in Japan next season,” Sotto said. “The NBA is my biggest dream, so I will continue to work hard in the United States this summer.”
Throughout the current Japan B.League season, Sotto showcased his skills in 19 games for the Dragonflies, maintaining an average of 8.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game./PN
