B.League imports including Filipino stars Ray Parks, AJ Edu, Kiefer Ravena and Dwight Ramos during the B.League All-Stars game. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Playing away from home may be a challenge, but the trio of Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos and Ray Parks Jr. have found comfort in Japan in their respective teams in the B.League.
During the Japan B.League All-Star break, the trio from the Philippines expressed their satisfaction with their status with their respective teams, which are gaining success in various ways.
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“For me, it’s a new team after three years so it’s a good challenge in a bigger city and I’m just excited to be part of this journey out here in Japan,” said Ravena with One Sports’ Play By Play.
Ravena had a change of scenery a few months back when he stepped away from long-term team Shiga and signed with Yokohama for greener pastures.
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The B-Corsairs may be struggling now with an 11-19 record but Ravena has found his stride in Yokohama with averages of 9.9 points, 3.2 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game.
Unlike Ravena, though, Ramos is playing with a team that he’s been a part of for over two years now and he has found comfort in his team Hokkaido.
Ray Parks and Dwight Ramos during the B.League All-Star game. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
“It’s all ben the same, I got the same routine going on, same coaches, same players and same schedule really so I’m used to it already,” said the Gilas guard.
Like Ravena, Ramos is also averaging 9.9 points per game but with 1.9 assists and 1.7 rebounds to accompany his offensive numbers.
However, one guy who took a huge leap after the offseason, Parks Jr. found his scoring touch appeared more than usual with his new team.
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“Now I feel like I’m able to showcase more of what I can do here so I really appreciate Osaka for putting me in a position to succeed,” said the National University product.
Last year, Parks Jr. moved his post from Nagoya to Osaka as he joined Evessa in a move that increased his touches in the hardwood. As of writing, he is averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists a night.
However, unlike Parks Jr. and Ravena, Ramos has another duty out of his Japan games to tend to in the coming weeks.
With the loss of Kai Sotto, another B.League attraction in Koshigaya, and Kevin Quiambao, Ramos chimed in on Gilas’ situation for the February window of the 2025 Asia Cup Qualifiers and remained optimistic with the addition of big man Troy Rosario.
“Prayers to Kai, he’s a huge part of the team but he’s going to come back better for sure,” said Ramos.
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“Coach Tim (Cone) is bringing in Troy and I’ve played with him before. Even though he’s not the tallest guy on the team, he works and plays really hard.”
