Kiefer Ravena left the country early Wednesday.
The Japanese government has enforced a per-batch entry to their country with regards to import athletes.
According to NLEX executive Ronald Dulatre, the 27-year-old combo guard needed to fix his visa and immigration requirements in order to play for Shiga in the B.League.
But for Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao, Ravena’s quarantine time will eat up the majority of his time. That makes it close to impossible for his ward to returning to NLEX for the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup.
“He will undergo 14 days quarantine in Japan and when he comes back to the Philippines, he will spend another 10 days in quarantine. So that’s more than three weeks,” Guiao told Arangkada NLEX.
“Probably the only way we can have him back to play for us is during the semis, if we make it that far.”
Currently, NLEX has a 2-2 slate – tied at sixth with Barangay Ginebra.
The PBA is set to return to action next month with a semi-bubble in Pampanga.
Ravena has been a key cog so far for NLEX, norming 15.75 points, 6.50 assists, 3.75 rebounds, and 1.75 assists per contest.
Guiao though will not be looking to replace Ravena by bringing up someone from their reserve list.
“It’s a big shoe to fill.
“But there’s no need to bring somebody up from the reserve list as we anticipate Kiefer’s return,” said Guiao. “It will be an opportunity for the other players to step up, players like Don (Trollano), Jericho (Cruz), and even Calvin Oftana while Kiefer is not playing.”
