Brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena ahead of tip off between San-en NeoPhoenix and Shiga Lakestars. Photo from San-En NeoPhoenix
MANILA, Philippines — For two straight PBA seasons, Kiefer Ravena had to play without a crowd in attendance as the league was only limited to staging bubble conferences amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Such wasn’t the case in the B.League where Ravena is currently playing as an Asian import for the Shiga Lakestars.
Unlike in the PBA, fans are already allowed inside playing venues in the B.League and Ravena made sure to relish playing in front of a raucous crowd.
今年のレイクスベンチも、かなりやばめ⁉️🤔 pic.twitter.com/UPkKMRC3Lh
— 滋賀レイクスターズ【SHIGA LAKESTARS】 (@shigalakestars) October 5, 2021
“It’s really nice to play in front of a lot of people,” Ravena said Sunday after playing back-to-back games at home against his younger brother Thirdy and the San-En NeoPhoenix.
Ravena, who plays for the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA, impressed in his first two games so far.
He had 11 points and eight assists and was instrumental in Shiga’s 22-point comeback to beat San-En on Saturday before posting 20 points and seven assists in a losing effort the following day where around 1,600 fans showed up.
“Back at home, we’re not that fortunate. We’ve been playing in a bubble for two conferences now,” said Ravena.
“It’s just amazing to feel the support of the fans, and the support of the Shiga Lakestars family out here.”