Kiefer Ravena can’t wait to join his first team practice with the NLEX Road Warriors in over a year.
“I’ve been doing my job staying in tip-top shape, doing a lot of extra work by myself on and off the court,” said Ravena, who incurred an 18-month suspension due to traces of FIBA-banned substances found in his system back in March of 2018.
Under FIBA regulations, Ravena may join team practices beginning June 24, 2019 — two months before the end of his suspension.
The Road Warriors, however, will be coming from an out-of-town PBA game in Batangas on Sunday evening and will take June 24 off.
Because of this, Ravena is expected to practice with Gilas Pilipinas on June 24 before joining NLEX on June 25.
The second overall pick in the 2017 PBA Draft acknowledges that being unable to play has been difficult, but he stresses that it was not a reason for him to quit working on his game.
“It’s about being mentally tough, rising above the occasion.”
The second generation cager has kept himself busy by raising awareness and being involved in anti-doping education programs. These seminars and talks – which are intended for athletes as well as team officials, coaches, and other stakeholders – helped national athletes prepare for the 2018 Asian Games.
And for their patience, Ravena will forever be grateful to the NLEX management for standing by him through this period.
Apart from supporting his various advocacies, the company has partnered with Kiefer to direct his influence towards meaningful areas. He is the face of the company’s “KalSaDa” (Kaligtasan Sa Daan) initiative, which promotes road safety awareness among NLEX-SCTEX host communities and schools through educational games and workshops.
“I’m in an organization that trusted me, who kept me, and knew that I would still do my job whether I’m playing or not,” he expressed.
“It’s my duty to give it back to this organization, that by the time comes na ready ako, it’s as if I was never gone.”
Ravena will be eligible to play with the team beginning August 24, 2019, and is already raring to go. More than anything, he is hopeful for the future.
“All I wanna do is get back to the court, play with NLEX, play with my team,” he declared.
“The semifinals; hopefully, the finals; and [then] someday bring a championship here to NLEX.”
