Kiefer Ravena assumes point guard duties in Yokohama as the B-Corsairs lose former B.LEAGUE MVP Yuki Kawamura, who is off to chase his NBA dreams with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kiefer Ravena is off to his next basketball challenge.
As the 2024-25 B.LEAGUE season begins, Kiefer Ravena is embarking on a new chapter in his basketball journey, this time with the Yokohama B-Corsairs.
Now entering his fourth season in Japan and third in the B.LEAGUE’s top division, Ravena will be stepping into a pivotal role for a Yokohama team that is in a bit of a transition.
[Related: Akatsuki Japan aces Yuki Kawamura, Keisei Tominaga give NBA a shot via Exhibit 10 deals]
Kiefer takes over the lead guard role in Yokohama, as the B-Corsairs lose ace Yuki Kawamura for the season. The former B.LEAGUE MVP is pursuing an NBA opportunity with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Ravena arrives at Yokohama fresh off a triumphant run with the Shiga Lakes, where he helped guide the team to the B2 championship last season.
Averaging 12.4 points during the regular season and stepping up to an impressive 19.0 points per game during the playoffs, Ravena was instrumental in Shiga’s promotion back to B1.
However, after securing the title, Ravena made the decision to move on and signed with Yokohama, where he will be tasked with filling the void left by Kawamura.
Yokohama’s loss of Kawamura leaves a significant gap in the team’s backcourt, as the spitfire guard averaged 20.9 points and a B1 high 8.1 assists last year.
Ravena, with his experience and leadership, will be expected to take on a large share of the playmaking and scoring duties to help offset the production left by Yuki.
[Related: Two in one: Kiefer Ravena grateful for double international championships this 2024]
Still, Kiefer will not be alone with the responsibility as his arrival is just part of a broader roster overhaul in Yokohama.
The B-Corsairs brought four other new players, including B.LEAGUE first-timers Damien Inglis and Gary Clark.
Yokohama starts the new B.LEAGUE season on the road, taking on the Sendai 89ers on October 5 and 6.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]