THE Philippine Embassy in Japan honored former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star Kiefer Ravena on Tuesday with Deputy Chief of Mission Robespierre Bolivar saying they are very proud of the Filipino basketball stars now playing in Japan’s nascent league.
“I remember a time when the PBA hosted a lot of foreign players in its ranks. Now, it’s the Filipino athletes’ turn to showcase their celebrated basketball prowess here in Japan,” said Bolivar during the player’s courtesy call.
When asked about some of his most memorable experiences playing in the B. League, Ravena said that seeing many Filipinos cheering in the audience gives him more motivation to play harder.
“There’re even Japanese fans waving the Philippine flag during many of our games,” Ravena said.
“This is sports diplomacy at work—where Filipinos and Japanese foster greater mutual understanding through basketball,” Bolivar said. “2021 is a banner year for the Filipino athlete, especially in Japan. Just a few months ago, we had a historic medal haul in the Tokyo Olympics. Now, PBA stars are making waves in the B. League.”
Currently in Japan on a one-year contract with the Shiga Lakestars Team, Ravena is one of eight Filipino professional players plying their trade in the B. League.
Ravena’s younger brother Thirdy Ravena is also playing in the B.League, along with Kenmark Carino, Kobe Paras, Bobby Ray Parks, Dwight Ramos and brothers Juan Gomez and Javi de Leano.