When Kiefer Ravena signed with B.League team Shiga last May, the 27-year-old combo guard would ask younger brother and second-year San-En winger Thirdy about what life is like in Japan and how the rules of the game are in Japan’s top-tier league.
And Thirdy told Kiefer to brace for are the fans. This as the B.League has city-based teams meaning that each town fully supports their team.
Photo from Shiga Lakestars
“He told me about the schedule and the physicality. What he really told me is what to expect from the fans,” shared Kiefer. “It’s really nice to play in front of a lot of people.
“Back at home, we have been playing in a bubble for two conferences now. It’s amazing to feel the support of the fans.”
During Shiga’s opening weekend at home against San-En, the Ukaruchan Arena was rocking with both locals and Filipinos living near the area.
In both games, the arena had over-the-top intros, tip-off ceremonies, halftime events, and post-game celebrations. Yes, every game also had moments during intervals making it a total event.
In terms of competition, Kiefer, who is a four-year PBA veteran, shared that the competition in both the Philippines and Japan is almost the same.
(C) B.League
“I think it’s not too far in terms of competition.
“It’s just that you have to adjust to this team and the physicality, they play differently here and you have to adjust to the referees and everybody,” said Ravena.
In his first two games, Kiefer would put up numbers of 15.5 points, 7.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.0 rebounds per game — not far from the numbers he put up in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup.
Kiefer though admitted that the biggest adjustment he will make is the back-to-back weekend games and, of course, the traveling.
“Of course, the big adjustment for me is the back-to-backs, playing Saturdays and Sundays,” said Kiefer as the PBA schedule does not do back-to-backs unless it’s necessary. “We barely get those in the Philippines but it is what it is. We need to make sure that our minds and bodies are ready.
“We are also looking forward to playing away games and traveling.”
Now that he got two games under his belt with mixed results, Kiefer looks to continued adjusting to his new league and his new team.
But for the next few months, he is not just looking to represent his family and his country well but also the PBA.
“In terms of competition, the Philippines and Japan have always been neck and neck in international competition,” he said.
“I’m just so happy to represent my league as well in the Philippines and showcase our worth as Filipino basketball players in the PBA.”
