MANILA, Philippines— With a new contract extension signed with Yokohama, it’s safe to say Kiefer Ravena’s career in the Japan B.League is going well.

But life off the hardwood may be even better.

READ: B.League: Kiefer Ravena puts pressure on self to do more for Yokohama

For one, Ravena is preparing himself to be a father any time now and is also set to tie the knot with fiancée Diana Mackey in the very near future.

With so many milestones ahead, he’s found renewed motivation to keep playing the game he loves.

“It’s giving me new motivation to play, to continue to believe in things and answer the question why I do this,” said a beaming Ravena during a B.League event at Gateway Mall on Sunday.

READ: B.League: Kiefer Ravena eyes better season in Yokohama return

Kiefer Ravena with his girlfriend Diana Mackey. –KIEFER RAVENA INSTAGRAM

“It’s a big factor for me in wanting to play more. It keeps me hungry and competitive. Now, I can easily say that I’ll make basketball fun again, knowing I’ll be playing for a few more people in my life.”

Two months ago, Ravena revealed on Instagram that he and Mackey are expecting their first child. Less than two weeks from now, the couple will also get married, following his proposal in November of last year.

READ: Kiefer Ravena, girlfriend expecting their first baby

“I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to that big day,” Ravena said, unable to contain his smile in the process.

While the coming changes are exciting, Ravena admitted that preparing for marriage and fatherhood has been no easy task — and much, much harder than gearing up for a basketball game.

“Mas mahirap magprepare dito kaysa maglaro (It’s harder to prepare for these compared to just playing)!” he joked.

“As a basketball player, I’ve always been a student of the game. Now that I’m going into fatherhood and being a family man, I ask questions to the experienced ones, try to get their knowledge, pick their brains and hopefully, apply it to my own.”