MANILA – The NLEX Road Warriors will continue to follow the rules set by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) regarding the uniform player contracts (UPCs).
The UPCs suddenly became the hot topic throughout Wednesday when PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the rules would bar current NLEX star Kiefer Ravena from joining B.League outfit Shiga Lakestars.
Marcial said the UPC also binds the players to the PBA like to their mother teams, which means the league may prevent them from taking their acts overseas.
"As a member of the PBA, we are duty-bound to abide by the rules and regulations that govern the league. The NLEX Road Warriors stand by the tripartite agreement between our organization, the PBA, and the individual player, which is enshrined in the Uniform Player Contract (UPC)," NLEX said in a statement.
The team said Ravena's impending transfer to Shiga must "need to conform to the terms of the UPC as well as the rules and policies of the PBA".
Despite the situation, NLEX reiterated that it supports Ravena's future endeavors.
"We understand and support Kiefer’s desire for personal advancement," the team added.
Commitment to nat’l team
Ravena has assured the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) that he will quickly commit to the national team should he get a call-up amid his impending move to Japan.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Ravena told SBP president Al Panlilio and the rest of the national sports association that he will remain a part of Gilas Pilipinas.
"To Boss Al Panlilio and SBP, I appreciate the support from the start. I would like to give my assurance that I remain fully committed to the Gilas program," Ravena said.
He also expressed gratefulness to the PBA board of governors, in which Panlilio is also a member being Meralco's representative, to the support it is giving to all the players.
"To the PBA and the board of governors, thank you for always supporting me. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity you have given us athletes," Ravena said.
He penned his thanksgiving despite his fate now being in the hands of the PBA board. (PNA)
