By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

WITH HIS FIBA-imposed suspension officially lapsing at the weekend, a “hungry” Kiefer Ravena said he is determined to get back on the court and do his thing, beginning with helping the Philippine men’s national basketball team in its bid in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

Part of the 19-man pool of Gilas for the World Cup, Mr. Ravena, whose suspension of the world basketball body took effect in May last year after he tested positive for three ingredients prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) from a pre-warm-up supplement he took, said he is very happy to have the ban lifted and that now is the time to work his way back.

“I’m happy that my suspension [has been] lifted. My focus now is getting back and helping the team (Gilas), more than anything else. It’s been a long time, long time coming. I’m ecstatic,” said the NLEX Road Warriors guard, who was set to play his first game back with Gilas in the second tune-up match with the visiting Adelaide 36ers later yesterday at the Meralco Gym.

“I just have to stay patient, work my way back. Trust the people around [me],” he added as he talked about his mindset upon his return to playing after his 18-month suspension.

Mr. Ravena was suspended after urine samples taken from him following Gilas’ game against Japan on Feb. 25, 2018 in the second window of the World Cup Asia Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena turned out to be positive for prohibited substances under WADA.

The prohibited substances — 4-methylhexan-2-amine(methylhexaneamine), 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA), and higenamine — was found in the pre-warm-up supplement that Mr. Ravena took it was later revealed.

The suspension meant no basketball activity for the former Ateneo King Eagle, including for his mother ball club in the Philippine Basketball Association — NLEX.

Now back in harness, Mr. Ravena said hunger to get back on the court is one part of the motor that keeps him humming.

“It’s more of hunger. I was away from the game for a long time and I’m hungry to get back on the court. Proving myself to everybody is not necessary right now. I’m setting aside personal things first for the betterment of the team,” said Mr. Ravena, who is hoping to be part of the 12-man team seeing action in China for the World Cup.

Gilas was holding out releasing the final roster of the team until after their final tune-up game with the 36ers on Sunday.

But regardless if he makes it or not, Mr. Ravena shared that he is willing to help Gilas in whatever capacity given to him.

The FIBA World Cup happens from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15 in China.

The Philippines, which is making its second straight appearance, is bracketed in Group D along with Serbia, Italy and Angola in the opening round. It begins its campaign on Aug. 31 versus Italy.

Apart from Mr. Ravena also part of the Gilas pool are June Mar Fajardo, Troy Rosario Rosario, Roger Pogoy, Japeth Aguilar, CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Gabe Norwood, Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Beau Belga, Poy Erram, Marcio Lassiter, Matthew Wright, Raymond Almazan and naturalized players Andre Blatche, Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle.

Also included in the 19-man pool is Filipino-American National Basketball Association guard Jordan Clarkson.

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