Despite Shiga’s game against Kawasaki taking place on a Wednesday, fans still came in droves to cheer on the Lakestars at the Ukaruchan Arena.
They all wanted to celebrate Ravena’s 28th birthday with him.
Clad in Ravena’s Shiga gear, the fans cheered from the stands for every move the Filipino star made.
(C) Kansai Sport
Of course, it did not go unnoticed by Ravena.
(C) Kansai Sport
“I think just by playing hard and giving our best every single game is our way of showing our appreciation to the fans,” said Ravena, who had 13 points in Shiga’s 74-91 home loss to Kawasaki.
(C) Kansai Sport
“It’s crazy that a lot of Japanese people are carrying the Philippine flag and I’m not sure if they have been there. Me being from there and representing a country of 110-million people is just overwhelming,” he continued as he celebrated his birthday away from home.
“Filipinos come out and watch, and I truly appreciate that. Also, the Shiga Lakestars fans welcomed me with open arms. It really feels something different when you are playing at home and I’m very thankful for that.”
It’s not just the fans to whom Ravena is grateful for.
Throughout the time he found himself embroiled in a tug-of-war between Shiga and NLEX, the Lakestars management never wavered in their support for him.
And for Ravena, the only way to repay them back is to guide the young Lakestars, especially his fellow Shiga guards like Reon Shibuta, Tomomasa Ozawa, Teppei Kashiwagura, and Daichi Nomoto.
After all, it remains unknown whether the Lakestars can re-sign Ravena after this season.
(C) B.League
“It’s been two months with the team. Slowly but surely, I’m trying to see myself on how I can help the team,” he reflected. “We got a lot of young guys and how I can share my experience with them.
“Just being confident comes with my teammates pushing me every time in practice.”
