MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas guard Kiefer Ravena was selected for a random drug testing in China ahead of the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
But it didn’t come as a surprise for the Ravena, who just recently came out of an 18-month basketball suspension for violating the World Anti-Doping Agency’s protocols back in May 2018.
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According to an ESPN5 report by Carlo Pamintuan, Fiba personnel approached Gilas trainer Dexter Aseron and handed him two envelopes that contained the names of the players would be tested. Center June Mar Fajardo was the other one.
“I expected it,” said Ravena in the report. “At least once, I knew I’d be tested here but I welcome it. It’s also a chance for me to put everything behind.”
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“I made a mistake and learned my lesson. Now I know for sure what the result of that test will be.”
It was a costly suspension for Ravena as he was banned from playing and even practicing with club team NLEX in the PBA.
The combo guard was only allowed to return to his club and join Gilas in preparation for the World Cup on June 2019.
With the ban ending on August 24, Ravena suited up in Gilas’ 85-75 loss to the Adelaide 36ers in a tune-up game last Sunday.