It’s been 359 days since good pals Kiefer Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. last faced each other.
But neither Ravena nor Parks would have ever thought that their third meeting in the pros would be somewhere that tis 2,768-kilometers away from AUF Sports & Cultural Center – the last place they met.
On Saturday and Sunday, the two second generation basketball players square off for rounds three and four at the Park Arena Komaki.
And for Ravena, he can’t wait to face Parks, who has yet to beat him in the pro ranks.
“I’m excited to play against a fellow Filipino and a friend in Bobby Ray Parks Jr. over there,” said Ravena, who is just eight months younger than Parks.
“Hopefully, we can represent our country and give our best for my team and his team.”
Both Ravena’s Shiga and Parks’ Nagoya are on hot runs.
Shiga is currently 5-1 in the standings, riding a four-game winning streak. Nagoya, on the other hand, has recovered from its disappointing 0-3 start to carry an even slate.
Both Filipino imports have been pivotal for their respective teams.
(C) B.League
Ravena is norming 11.2 points, 5.0 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.83 steals per contest for the Lakestars.
(C) B.League
Meanwhile, Parks is putting up 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in his first four games. Still, he has been under minutes restriction.
“It’s going to be a good game against Nagoya. We want to keep our winning streak alive,” continued Ravena. “As a team, we have been practicing well for the week.
“Hopefully, we can bring out a lot of energy.”
Besides getting the win, Ravena hopes that he and Parks could put on a show for the OFWs expected to flock to the arena.
“Hopefully, a lot of Filipinos can come out and watch in Nagoya. We are pretty much excited to face one another and again, put on a show for the Filipino supporters here in Japan. We appreciate each and everyone of you,” he said.
“Hopefully, you can continue to support me, Ray, and the other Filipinos carrying our flag and representing our country.”
