NLEX hopes for Kiefer Ravena’s early return

NLEX team representative Ronald Dulatre said the other day the Road Warriors are hoping and praying for FIBA to uphold the SBP’s appeal to forego the remaining portion of Kiefer Ravena’s suspension. It’s been a painful experience for Ravena because the suspension prevents him from participating in any basketball-related activity, including watching a game in the stands.

For someone who unwittingly consumed prohibited stimulants and readily admitted to taking an energy drink without knowledge of its ingredients, the suspension appears to be too harsh. The term of the suspension is from Feb. 25, 2018, to Aug. 24, 2019. The decision to suspend Ravena was contained in a memorandum dated last May 22 and authored by Eleonora Rangelova, president of the FIBA Disciplinary Panel. FIBA said the usual suspension is for two years but because of Ravena’s cooperation in the investigation, it was reduced to 18 months. FIBA noted that the start of the suspension could’ve been the date when the decision was made but chose to begin on the date when the urine samples were taken. In effect, the suspension was for 15 months.

Dulatre said a year’s suspension would be more than enough of a penalty for an unwitting victim. If FIBA decides to cut Ravena’s suspension to one year, he would be available to play again on Feb. 24. That would fall during the PBA’s break to give way to the FIBA Asia/Pacific World Cup Qualifiers. If Ravena is given the green light to return to action on Feb. 24, the next NLEX game he can play is on March 1 against Blackwater at the MOA Arena.

Last Sunday morning, the NLEX team got together for Mass and Ravena attended since it wasn’t a basketball-related activity. But when the team left to participate in the PBA’s 44th season opening ceremonies at the Philippine Arena, Ravena stayed behind. Ravena would’ve been so proud to join the Road Warriors in the inaugural parade particularly as his girlfriend, volleyball queen Alyssa Valdez, was the team muse. But because of the FIBA suspension, he couldn’t be in the stadium. His father Bong, who is TNT KaTropa’s head coach, and mother Mozzy were at the Philippine Arena. TNT played Ginebra in the season-opening game that night.  The suspension has also kept Ravena from cheering for his brother Thirdy, who plays for Ateneo, in the stadium.

“I remember it was Kiefer who asked if we could somehow bring over Poy (Erram),” said Dulatre. “We worked out a trade to enlist Poy but now that he’s with us, Kiefer still isn’t able to play. I feel for Kiefer. Basketball has been his life ever since he was a boy and to take it away from him for something he didn’t do deliberately is quite sad. We’re all hoping FIBA reconsiders and cuts short his suspension. I think Kiefer has suffered more than enough punishment.”

Dulatre said he’s looking forward to a big season. In 2016-17, NLEX posted an 11-23 record, a winning rate of 32.4 percent, and finished 12th in both the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups and fifth in the Governors Cup. There was improvement last campaign as the Road Warriors registered a 17-25 mark, a winning clip of 40.5 percent, winding up fourth in the Philippine Cup, 11th in the Commissioner’s Cup and eighth in the Governors Cup. During the offseason, NLEX enlisted rookies Kris Porter, Paul Varilla and Kyles Lao. The surprise has been Porter whom Dulatre said is a potential Rookie of the Year candidate. In a recent preseason game, NLEX came from behind to beat San Miguel Beer with Porter stringing four straight triples to ice it. The Road Warriors were 3-0 in preseason contests and that was without Ravena.

The good news for NLEX is Kevin Alas is back 100 percent. He sat out 24 games for the Road Warriors to recover from an ACL surgery and missed the Commissioner’s and Governors Cups. Now, Alas is cleared to play. From last season’s roster, Alex Mallari, Dave Marcelo and Mike Miranda are gone. Eman Monfort is on the reserve list. Erram’s arrival puts NLEX in a position to compete at the five spot against any team.  Coach Yeng Guiao has to be pleased with his lineup that includes Larry Fonacier, J. R. Quinahan, Juami Tiongson, Cyrus Baguio, Raul Soyud, Asi Taulava, Pedrito Galanza, Philip Paniamogan, Jansen Rios, Mark Tallo and Kenneth Ighalo.  But what would make Guiao ecstatic is Ravena’s return sooner than later.