Kiefer Ravena will serve a soft ban in the PBA after signing a contract extension with Japan B.League’s Shiga Lakes.
Kiefer Ravena opted to return to Japan’s B.League with Shiga Lakes for the 2022-2023 season after the team announced his contract extension on Monday, August 8.
The team announced the news on Monday, ahead of the opening of the season in October, as the team looks to showcase a different and boosted roster after signing Jacob Wiley, Eric Mccree, and Kai Toews.
Ravena also confirmed the news through a team statement.
“Konichiwa Shiga Lakes Boosters! I’m excited to be back and play for you guys once again,” read Ravena’s statement. “This will be a great season for us and I know the boosters will have fun supporting the team this year. I hope to see you guys soon! Go Lakes!
The contract extension follows after Ravena’s successful maiden season in Japan and failing to negotiate for a short-term stint with his PBA mother club the NLEX Road Warriors.
NLEX wanted the guard to play at least one full season with the team, however, Kiefer tried to counter a proposal of playing just one conference, but failed to find their middle ground.
In signing another contract with Shiga, Ravena will serve a four-year soft ban in the PBA, the same fate that Ray Parks ended with after re-signing with Nagoya.
To Shiga’s delight, Ravena now has a higher possibility of staying with the team for a longer period and to continue playing a major role in their roster as proved by his averages of 13.2 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 56 games in his first year.
Shiga, however, finished the season with a record of 14-43 win-loss slate – good for 20th in the 22-team league.
The team is looking to have a better outcome this season as they start their campaign against Gunma at Ota City Sports Park Municipal Gymnasium in its opening game on October 1.
Tags: #PBA, #BLeague, #basketball