Kiefer Ravena out to show ‘tougher, wiser’ version in basketball return

FILE – NLEX guard Kiefer Ravena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Kiefer Ravena vowed he’s become a better version of himself after his Fiba-imposed suspension.

And everyone will soon take notice of that transformation as he approaches his keenly-awaited basketball return.

The 25-year-old guard, who was suspended by Fiba for 18 months after testing positive for banned substances under the World Anti-Doping Agency, said the ban has toughened him physically and mentally.

“485 out of 487 days. People will never understand what I went through. This experience has made me tougher, hungrier and a lot wiser,” Ravena posted on Twitter.

“To my day ones, you will always be a part of my journey. You guys were there every step of the way. Ya’ll never stopped believing in me.”

Fiba’s suspension prevents Ravena from playing regulation basketball until August of 2019 but he can already start practicing with the Road Warriors on June 24.

Ravena was in the middle of a promising rookie season in 2018 when his run was cut short during the PBA’s All-Star break.

He was averaging 16 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game and even led the Road Warriors to the semifinals of the Philippine Cup before losing to eventual runner-up Magnolia.

“That i can return slowly to where i was before. It’s a long and crazy process but we’ll go through it again together every step of the way,” said Ravena. “To all the doubters/haters, I respect you guys as much as I respect my supporters. We all have different opinions/point of views.”

“But you definitely motivated me to even be better than before. For that, I appreciate the criticism even though you guys only know the preface of my story. In 33 hours, my story will continue once again.”