NLEX re-signs Ravena, Alas to three-year max deals

NLEX will continue buil­ding its team around two of the most explosive guards in the PBA in Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas, who agreed to three-year contract extensions on Tuesday.

Ravena, the second pick in the 2017 draft, and Alas, who returned late last year following another ACL injury, were both signed to maximum deals.

Both players have been toughened by adversity over the past years with Ravena sitting out for 18 months after testing positive to banned substances in a Fiba random drug test.

But he came back with a string of strong performan­ces in the latter part of last season when Alas also rejoined the team following a second ACL tear.

“I’m just grateful to the NLEX management for believing in me,” Alas told the Inquirer over the phone.

“There were doubts if I can come back last year and be the player that I used to be, but I can say that my injury was a blessing in disguise. I know everything happens for a reason and now I’m very excited to play for NLEX again.”

NLEX coach Yeng Guiao was pleased to lock up the two guards, whom he feels can lead the Road Warriors to a first-ever crown.

“Signing the two, Kiefer and Kevin, is an indication that we want to form the strongest team possible that is capable of challenging the usual contenders for a championship,” Guiao said.

As far as NLEX is concerned, there was hardly any problem in signing Ravena and Alas.

“There were no major issues in the negotiations,” Guiao said. “I think they’re both happy with the situation, with the team, with their teammates.”

Guiao also announced that veteran center Asi Taulava’s contract was extended until the end of the year. INQ