Kiefer Ravena optimistic despite rough Shiga start: ‘We expect to go far’

MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena remained optimistic that the Shiga Lakes can turn its fortunes around in the Japan B. League after a shaky start.

Ravena and the Lakers dropped to 2-4 following back-to-back losses to fellow Filipino import Justine Baltazar and the Hiroshima Dragonflies over the weekend.

“We expect to go far,” said Ravena on Sunday, October 16, as Shiga looks to bounce back from its poor campaign last season where it finished with a 14-43 record.

“We have big dreams, we have big goals set for this year.”

For Ravena, the Lakes only need time to develop their chemistry after they brought in six new players in a bid to reach the playoffs.

Shiga tapped Kai Toews from the Utsunomiya Brex, Yusei Sugiura from the San-En NeoPhoenix, and Yusuke Karino from the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins.

The other three new players are Ivan Buva, Kelvin Martin, and Jacob Wiley, well-traveled imports who have played in multiple countries but are seeing action in Japan for the first time.

“I think we have a good mix of youth and experience,” said Ravena.

“We just need more time probably to play together, play with one another, but I feel like eventually things will fall into place.”

Hailed as the Lakes’ captain, Ravena said he makes sure to remind his teammates to be consistent and to stick to their philosophy.

“I try to keep everybody’s heads up,” Ravena said.

Shiga aims to get back on track when it tangles with the Chiba Jets in back-to-back games on October 22 and 23. – Rappler.com