Kiefer Ravena, NLEX yet to reach an agreement with days left before PBA Season 47 kickoff

Kiefer Ravena's return to the PBA is in limbo as the veteran guard and his mother club NLEX have yet to reach an agreement with days left before the league opens Season 47 on June 5.

According to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Ravena had already sent him a letter regarding his plans while also stressing that the 28-year-old baller and NLEX have until June 5 to decide.

"We are now just waiting for the result of discussion between Kiefer and NLEX, but he already sent me a letter. Whatever their decision is, we will follow it," Marcial said following the league's preseason press conference on Monday.

"They need to have a decision before June 5. We’re already opening on Sunday."

Ravena missed the majority of the 2021 Philippine Cup as he flew to Japan to process the documents that paved the way for his participation in the Japan B.League.

He then sat out the entirety of the Governors' Cup as he played his maiden season with the Shiga Lakestars.

Based on the initial agreement, Ravena would only be able to play in Japan on the condition he returns after one season.

That, however, does not seem to be the case right now as Ravena was left off the Road Warriors' initial roster for the upcoming 2022 Philippine Cup despite being seen participating in several of the team's preseason training and activities.

According to NLEX governor Rod Franco, the camps of Ravena and NLEX are set to sit down in a meeting in the coming days to tackle their plans moving forward.

"Si Kiefer naglaro sa Gilas [and] now gusto niyang maglaro ulit but wala pang agreement," said Franco.

"Maguusap pa ang two sides, Kiefer and his agent and NLEX. As far as we know, tapos na po 'yung kontrata niya sa Japan. Pinaguusapan pa kung maglalaro siya if he reaches an agreement kaso wala pang pinaguusapan."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News