Back in May 22, 2018, at 25 years young, Kiefer Ravena suffered punishment for something he knew nothing about.
Because of a pre-workout supplement called Dust – a product that is readily available in stores – the young stalwart was barred from the sport he loves. He was asked to stay away from any basketball court, playing basketball, or even just holding a ball for 547 days.
“Ang buhay ay mapaglaro, minsan malupet.”
Ravena grew up in the public eye.
As the son of two athletes, everyone saw Kiefer as the chosen one. In high school, fans and commentators dubbed him the ‘Phenom’. In college, he became royalty. And he did not shy away from his status. He never turned down a picture, an interview, nor a simple chat.
But last February 25, his life changed. Still, he remained the same. Instead of hiding under his blanket and letting the days go by, Ravena chose to continue living life to the fullest.
Ravena tried many things, such as wearing different hats just to pass time by. He became an avid golfer.
“Mas competitive ako dito kesa sa basketball,” he joked.
He also became a YouTube show host.
“This is my way of giving back to Coach E [Altamirano] and the NBTC.”
He then tried being a beach volleyball player.
“If basketball didn’t work out for me, siguro nag-volleyball ako.”
He also became an ambassador.
“I agreed to make this an advocacy and for me to be an instrument for the education of the Filipino athlete.”
The first year flew by quickly. The last six months felt like an eternity.
Then, on June 24, he finally made his way back to the court. He could finally train with a basketball.
“Parang bata akong nakunan ng laruan tapos binalik mo lang din nung matagal na niyang hindi nalalaro,” he said during his first practice in a year.
If the first 16 months were already tough, the last two months were nearly impossible. Though he was able to train with Gilas, he could not join them in tune-ups both here or in Spain.
Everyone knew that he was in pain deep down while he watched on the sidelines. Still, he flashed a smile at everyone who passed by, even throwing jabs about himself whenever he had to sit out as Gilas played in a tune-up.
“Sayang, uminom pa naman ako ng Dust,” he once quipped, drawing laughs from the entire gym.
And on Sunday, August 24, he gets to return to doing what he loves. All eyes will be at the Meralco Gym as he returns to the court.
But even he does not know how he would fare after a long absence.
“It’s been a long ride, it’s been a tough journey, but I’m just trying to keep myself balanced. Not really too excited or not really too walang gana, or not too calm about it,” he said about his return.
“I’ve waited for this during all my time out of basketball, and now it’s here. And I can’t waste any opportunity.”
One thing is for certain, though – that smile he never lost will be as bright as ever once his number is called.
