Kiefer Ravena looks back on missed connection with brother Thirdy during Japan B.League All-Stars

Filipino players were a huge draw in the Japan B.League All-Stars, which happened in Mito last month. Nine players from the Philippines were showcased in that weekend, while Dwight Ramos had to sit out due to an injury. 

For Kiefer Ravena, it was all about building relationships with his fellow Filipinos... if only he didn't miss that alley-oop to Thirdy during the Asia Rising Star game.

"We really haven't played with each other in the last eight years. I think the last time was in college and it showed in the game," Kiefer Ravena told B.League analyst Chris Sasaki in a vlog. "I didn't know where to throw that lob, we weren't able to communicate properly, just looking eye to eye."

"The fans had a good laugh. It was sad we weren't able to make one dunk, but he had a couple. I think that was good enough."

Though technically the Ravena brothers have played as teammates last year during the FIBA Asia Cup in July and in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers in August.

Kiefer Ravena was also invited to speak about his plays in the league so far, including one move that's being called in FIBA as a travel. But the older Ravena, being the "Manong" that he is, has been milking it in the B.League.

"There is a big debate where everybody says it's a travel. Us Filipinos we're kinda used to this move," he told Sasaki during a breakdown of his plays. "I play in a league where it's allowed, so I try to use it as much as I can."

The Shiga Lakestars are currently at the bottom half of the B.League standings with four wins and 30 defeats. Co-captain Ravena has averaged 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists so far.

But he relished the the time he played with fellow Filipinos in Mito, "It's about the memories, the relationship you build in just a few days."

And that chemistry would certainly be vital, with the Ravena brothers, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks, and Jordan Heading called up for the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month. 

Maybe this could be the start of a "Banana Boat" moment of the 2008 Olympic gold medalist Team USA. Who knows, maybe they could finally make that alley-oop at the Philippine Arena.