The league formally sent a letter to Japan lodging Ravena’s ineligibility to play for the Lakestars as he has a live contract with PBA NLEX.

“We will communicate to the B.League, not to the team. And we’ll inform them about the decision of the (PBA) Board from a FIBA standpoint,” said PBA chairman Ricky Vargas.

“We would be able to strike a discussion with them (B. League) as well, but make it very clear to them that this is our position on the matter,” added Vargas.

The new development has been decided after the board meeting of PBA officials in which they ‘looked at the possible scenarios and the risk of the scenarios.’

And even though NLEX gave their blessing to the former Ateneo cager, PBA is still the last one to decide.

“It’s going to be a difficult precedence not only for us the PBA but for Fiba. Fiba is also very strict about adhering to the contracts and SBP. It is such a big precedent even in amateur sports where movement of players are subject to the rules of the league. When you talk about the UAAP and the NCAA, they even have sit-out periods. That’s the consequence of making a handshake,” Vargas reasoned out.