Kiefer says he will remain in Japan with new team

Kiefer Ravena. –HANDOUT PHOTO

Filipino guard Kiefer Ravena said he will remain in Japan’s B.League next season after parting ways with the Yokohama B-Corsairs, continuing a trailblazing overseas career that helped open doors for Filipino players abroad.

Ravena confirmed on Saturday that he has ended his contract with Yokohama and will transfer to another Japanese club, although he declined to identify the team.

“I think I still want to play overseas. My body can still do it and I’m going back to Japan next season,” Ravena told reporters during the B.League Final Week event at SM Megamall.

“I just ended my contract with Yokohama and I’m switching to another team next season. I can’t say where yet, but tune in for that news soon.”

Ravena was among the first Filipino players to establish a long-term career in the B.League, beginning with the Shiga Lakes, where he helped the club win the B2 Division championship in 2024 before moving to Yokohama.

Although the B-Corsairs failed to reach the playoffs and finished with a 26-34 record, Ravena remained a key contributor in what turned out to be his final season with the club. The former Ateneo and NLEx standout averaged 11.9 points, 3.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.

His move comes as Filipino representation in the Japanese league continues to grow, with several players competing across multiple B.League teams.

Ravena said he hopes that trend eventually leads to a Filipino player reaching the league’s championship stage.

“Maybe next time, we see a Pinoy playing in that stage very, very soon,” he said.

“It’s a big thing to see QMB (Quentin Millora-Brown) and AJ Edu because we all know that when it comes to basketball, talent for talent, we can match up with others.”

Two Filipinos saw action in the B.League quarterfinals this season, with AJ Edu suiting up for the Gunma Crane Thunders against Quentin Millora-Brown and the Chiba Jets.

Millora-Brown and Chiba advanced to the semifinals before bowing out to Nagasaki, ending hopes of a Filipino player reaching the Finals this season. INQ