Kiefer Ravena supports Pinoys playing in Japan: It's an opportunity to represent the country

With some Filipino players signing with teams in the Japan B.League, Filipino import Kiefer Ravena said he is happy with the moves they are taking.

Kiefer followed the footsteps of his brother Thirdy, who was the first Filipino to play in the Japanese league.

"First, we're thankful for Thirdy, who actually opened the doors for everybody." Ravena said in an interview on podcast "Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel."

After Thirdy, Kiefer and the likes of Kobe Paras, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks, Kemark Cariño, Juan Gomez de Liaño also played in the Japanese league.

For the upcoming season, Matthew Wright, Greg Slaughter, Jordan Heading, Jay Washington, and Roosevelt Adams will bring their talents to the Land of the Rising Sun.

"We just show support, because whenever somebody signs in Japan, it's an opportunity for them to play and showcase their talents and obviously represent the country."

Kiefer said being imports, the Filipino players have each other's backs as there are only a few of them in Japan.

"We make sure that we take everybody [into account] knowing that we're far from family. And this is the family that we all have here in Japan. so we try to be as close-knit as possible," he added.

The upcoming season of the B.League will start on September 29.

—JMB, GMA News