Kiefer to work on Japan docs, plays Parks in October

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX has allowed guard Kiefer Ravena to go to Japan to process his papers for his upcoming B. League stint then rejoin the Road Warriors for the resumption of PBA action in Pampanga.

NLEX team official Ronald Dulatre explained that Ravena, who is committed to play in the Philippine Cup before suiting up for Shiga Lakestars, will surely be back although he’s likely to miss some games in the Bacolor restart.

“He had to fly to Japan to process his Visa/immigration and other B. League requirements since the Japan government set a deadline (Aug. 25) for entry of all the imports. After completing all the requirements, he will go back here to play the remaining games of NLEX,” Dulatre told The STAR.

Meanwhile, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. will be in an early collision course with fellow Filipinos when the 2021-2022 season of the B. League Division I unfurls in October.

Parks, now with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, faces old rival Ravena and the Shiga Lakestars in back-to-back games on Oct. 23 and 24.

On Oct. 27, he will duel against Kiefer’s brother, Thirdy, who blazed the trail last year as the first Filipino player in Japan with San-en NeoPhoenix.

Parks will then meet Javi Gomez de Liaño and the Ibaraki Robots in early 2022.

Ravena left for Japan yesterday and given the existing quarantine protocols, he could only be back in active duty for NLEX after three weeks – possibly at the start of the PBA playoffs already.

“He will undergo a 14-day quarantine in Japan and when he comes back to the Philippines, he will spend another 10 days in quarantine, so that’s more than three weeks. Probably the only way we can have him back to play for us is during the semis, if we make it that far,” said coach Yeng Guiao.

The PBA sees no problem with Ravena’s brief Japan trip.

“Pinayagan ng NLEX so okay sa amin,” commissioner Willie Marcial said.

The pro league has given Ravena the permission to play in Japan despite a live contract with NLEX on condition he would finish NLEX’ All-Filipino campaign. Moreover, after playing one season in the B. League, the efficient playmaker should return to the Road Warriors’ fold.