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Kiefer Ravena included in Shiga's 12-man B.League roster amidst contract issue
Kiefer Ravena was named to the 12-man roster of the Shiga Lakestars for the 2021-2022 Japan B. League despite not being cleared by the PBA to see action there due to having an active contract.
But in a lineup released by the Japanese ball club on Tuesday, the second-generation baller's name was still among the 12 expected to banner the team in the upcoming season.
"We are pleased to inform you that Shiga Lakestars has decided on the opening roster for the 2021-2022 season," said the team.
"In the future, if there is an accident etc., there is a possibility that additional reinforcement will be done, but at the moment we are planning to start with these 12 people."
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— ??????????SHIGA LAKESTARS? (@shigalakestars) June 29, 2021
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Ravena is hoping to be the second Filipino cager to see action in the prestigious league. His younger brother, Thirdy, played last season with the San-en NeoPhoenix.
But unlike Thirdy, who has yet to enter the PBA Draft, Kiefer has an active deal with the NLEX Road Warriors.
According to PBA chairman and Talk 'N Text governor Ricky Vargas, allowing Ravena to suit up as an import in Japan while still under contract with NLEX would set a negative precedent for the PBA.
Also included in the 12-man lineup were Ovie Soko, Novar Gadson, and Sean O’Mara--all of whom are reinforcements.
Completing the cast are Reon Shibuta, Tomomasa Ozawa, Tomonori Imagawa, Teppei Kashiwagura, Daichi Nomoto, Shotaro Hayashi, Naoto Moriyama, and Koya Kawamata.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News
