Kiefer Ravena secures PBA, NLEX clearance to play in Japan

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has given the green light to let NLEX Road Warriors star Kiefer Ravena to play in the Japan Professional Basketball League (B.League).

"Yes," PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed in a message to GMA News Online on Saturday when asked if Ravena had secured clearance from the league and his team to play in Japan.

Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao previously said they were preparing to 'fight it out' in the PBA sans Ravena, who flew to Japan on August 25 to process his papers.

The Road Warriors made it to the quarterfinals of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, although they are in a disadvantage against the Meralco Bolts which secured the twice-to-beat bonus.

NLEX in July announced that it has reached an agreement with Ravena and the PBA to allow the guard to play in the B.League for one season only.

Ravena will join the Shiga Lakestars in Japan under the Asian Player Quota rule.

The former Gilas Pilipinas captain is one of the eight Filipino players, along with his brother Thirdy, who will bring their talents in the Japan B.League.

The B.League is scheduled to open by the end of September, with Kiefer going against his brother Thirdy and the San-En NeoPhoenix on October 2.

—JMB, GMA News