Shiga Lakestars postpone press conference for Kiefer Ravena

The Shiga Lakestars have postponed the press conference for Kiefer Ravena.

The presser, which was originally scheduled for Monday, June 7 at the club’s YouTube channel, was supposed to formally welcome the 27-year old Ravena to the Japan B.League team.

“We have decided to postpone the press conference for Kiefer Ravena, which was scheduled to be held on Monday, June 7, on the club’s official Youtube channel,” said the team on Sunday through a statement on its website.

“On June 2nd we had an official announcement of signing Kiefer Ravena for the 2021-2022 season. However, after the announcement, it was reported in the Philippines that there are issues in his current contract,” added the team.

“We have decided to postpone the press conference until a more appropriate time, as holding a press conference with Ravena and us at this time may add more confusion of the situation. We will continue discussions to resolve this issues.”

The PBA board announced on Saturday that Ravena should honor his three-year contract with the NLEX Road Warriors which the former Ateneo de Manila standout signed last September.

“The board’s decision follows specifically the philosophy of the importance of a contract. The board has decided that Kiefer has to honor his contract with NLEX and with the PBA. That’s where we are,” said league chairman Ricky Vargas during an online press conference with commissioner Willie Marcial and vice chairman Bobby Rosales of Terrafirma.

Vargas added that they will inform the Japan B.League as well as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas of the board’s decision.

Ravena was set to play for the Lakestars under the league’s Asian Player Quota, the same setup of his younger brother Thirdy with the San-En NeoPhoenix.