It looks like Kiefer Ravena will be out of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for a long time.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the 28-year-old playmaker will have to sit out for three years should he decide to join Shiga Lakestars for his second season in the Japanese B.League.

The former NLEX playmaker has yet to formally advise Marcial on his final decision, but the PBA chief assured that Ravena has all the freedom to go abroad once B.League opens its shop in September.

As per league rules, the latest Ravena could play for the PBA again is on the 50th season in 2025.

"He hasn't informed us yet, but somebody told me that he might talk to me soon," Marcial told Daily Tribune in a conversation.

"We already have a policy that if he's going to Japan for his second season, he can only join the PBA after three years."

"We cannot do anything about that. It's Season 47 now, so he can only return in the 50th season."

The six-foot Ravena initially had a gentleman's agreement with Marcial and the Road Warriors that he will return to the country once he wraps up his first season in Japan.

The former Ateneo de Manila University star and the NLEX management had long discussion on his contract as Ravena bargained to only play for just one conference.

He, however, did not see action in the ongoing Philippine Cup and instead joined Gilas Pilipinas for the Southeast Asian Games, FIBA Asian Cup and FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Daily Tribune previously reported that the Lakestars management dangled another irresistible offer to extend Ravena's contract for the 2022-2023 season.

The Gilas mainstay was impressive in his debut with Shiga, posting steady backcourt numbers of 13.6 points, 5.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds despite his squad's dismal 14-43 record.

Should he formalize a deal with the Lakestars, he will be joining a revitalized roster with newcomer Croatian big man Ivan Buva, Eric McCree and fellow guard Kai Toews.