Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial clarified that NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena has yet receive clearance from the league to join B.League’s Shiga.
The amiable executive said that nothing has changed over the past 12 hours regarding Ravena’s status.
“Walang bagong development. Ganun pa rin (‘yung situation niya),” Marcial bared.
Earlier in the night, NLEX released a team statement saying that the Road Warriors and their 6-foot guard remain bound by the rules and regulations of the league.
“The NLEX Road Warriors stand by the tripartite agreement between our organization, the PBA, and the individual player, which is enshrined in the Uniform Player Contract (UPC),” it said.
Moments later, the 27-year-old also released a statement, expressing his gratitude to the league’s Board of Governors for supporting his new endeavor.
“To the PBA and the Board of Governors, thank you for always supporting me. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity you have given us athletes,” Ravena’s statement read.
He also thanked NLEX for being his home for the last three years, while vowing to return to the team once he fulfills his duty with Shiga. The Road Warriors will still own the rights to Ravena if and when he comes back.
“The support you have given me all throughout my stay has given me nothing but joy and great memories. Our dream of winning a championship will always be there. I am and will always be proud of this family,” it continued.
“Thank you for giving me your blessing and backing me in this next stage of my career.”
Ravena might have gained clearance from his team, but there’s one more door he has to go through — the league.
All players in the league also have contracts with the league. So if Ravena wants to play elsewhere, it still has to be passed through a board resolution.
