The 6-foot guard seems not to be having difficulty adapting to the level of competition in the Japan B.League as he instantly made an impact for the Shiga Lakestars in its first two games against the San-En Neophoenix at Ukaruchan Arena. 

“I think [that the level of play in the PBA and the B.League is] not too far in terms of competition. It’s just that you have to adjust to the speed and the physicality out here also,” Ravena said in a special B.League press conference. 

“They play differently out here and you have to adjust to the referees and everybody,” he added.

In his first two games, Kiefer tallied 15.5 points, 7.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.0 rebounds per game, not far from his numbers in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup which he averaged 15.6 points on 42-percent shooting from deep, alongside 6.5 assists, 3.8 boards, and 1.8 steals.

“I think in terms of competition, Japan and the Philippines have always been neck-and-neck. I’m just so happy to be able to represent my league as well in the Philippines and showcase our worth as Filipino basketball players in a professional league in the PBA,” the NLEX star guard in the PBA bared.

“I think in terms of competition, both are there. It’s just the adjustment of playing internationally, and playing with new teammates, and playing against different teams,” he continued.

But, Kiefer admitted that the most notable adjustment for him was the back-to-back weekend games and, of course, the traveling.

“Of course, the big adjustment for me is the back-to-backs, playing Saturdays and Sundays,” said Kiefer as the PBA schedule does not do back-to-back unless required.

“We barely get those in the Philippines but it is what it is. We need to make sure that our minds and bodies are ready. We are also looking forward to playing away games and traveling,” he propounded. 

One thing that Kiefer is most happy about is that playing with a crowd in attendance which is not happening in the PBA as it has been playing behind closed doors for two seasons now.

“It’s really nice to play in front of a lot of people. Of course, back home, we’re not that fortunate. We’ve been playing in a bubble for two conferences now. So it’s just so amazing to feel the support of the fans, and the Shiga Lakestars family out here.”

With their 1-1 slate, Ravena and the Shiga Lakestars will remain at home to host Ibaraki Robots at the Ukaruchan Arena this Saturday, October 9.