NLEX guard Kiefer Ravena. photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kiefer Ravena is going to be missing a lot when the PBA unfurls its 44th season on Sunday.
Not only will Ravena be missing the opening festivities for the first time since joining the league, he will also won’t be able to share the floor his girlfriend Alyssa Valdez, who will be parading as muse for the NLEX Road Warriors.
Ravena almost a year into his 18-month Fiba-mandated suspension for testing positive for banned substances in February 2018 following Gilas Pilipinas’ win over Japan in the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers.
His ban, which extended to his club team duties, will end on August 24, 2019.
“Missing this year’s PBA opening especially with Alyssa Valdez as our muse. I’ll be back out there in no time,” said Ravena in a tweet.
Missing this year’s #PBAOpening especially with @AlyssaValdez2 as our muse. Ill be back out there in no time 🙏🏽💪🏽
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) January 9, 2019
Instead, his longtime sweetheart and volleyball superstar Valdez will be walking with the Road Warriors, who are eyeing their first finals appearance this year, in the opener.
The Philippine Arena will host the PBA’s first game day this season.