The opening week of 2021-22 Japan B.League season will feature an exciting duel between brothers Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena.

The older Ravena will make his debut with the Shiga Lakestars on October 2 and 3 (Manila time) against San-En NeoPhoenix with the younger Ravena on their side.

Kiefer already arrived in Japan last August 25 after playing four games with the NLEX Road Warriors in PBA Philippine Cup before the league resumed the season after a month-long suspension due to quarantine lockdown.

Although NLEX team manager Ronald Dulatre stated that Kiefer is expected to return with the team as soon as he finishes his requirements, head coach Yeng Guiao is not counting his ace guard to make it on time due to strict quarantine rules in place on both countries.

On the other hand, Thirdy will return with San-En after signing a multi-year deal with the team.

Thirdy, who is the first Filipino cager to enter the B.League under Asian Player Quota, hopes to bounce back on his second season after being plagued with injuries on his first year.

Other key matchups to tune in on the same week are the first professional games of former UP Fighting Maroons stars Kobe Paras and Juan Gomez De Liaño on October 2 and 3, with the former suiting up for Niigata Albirex BB against Kyoto Hannaryz, while Javi GDL and the Ibakari Robots will take on Akita Northern Happinets.

Also, former TNT superstar Ray-Ray Parks will be in action with Nagoya Diamond Dolphins vs the Shibuya Sun Rockers, and Fil-American Dwight Ramos joins Toyama Grouses for the first time in their match against Shinshu Brave Warriors.