Ravena out of PBA too for now

Embattled basketball player Kiefer Ravena will not see action with the NLEX Road Warriors in the Philippine Basketball Association while serving his FIBA-mandated suspension.

According to Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, FIBA told the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas that the 24-year-old cager cannot see action in any basketball leagues.

“Wala na, that has already been denied,” Reyes said in an interview with SportsCenter Philippines Thursday, referring to the PBA and the SBP's joint request to clarify whether or not the 18-month ban slapped on Ravena also covers Philippine's premier basketball league.

The suspension, which was revealed by Ravena's camp on Monday night, indicated that he is prohibited from international action. At the same briefing, the SBP also mentioned that they were trying to reach out to FIBA to clarify the penalty's scope.

“The FIBA has replied — in no uncertain terms — that his ban covers all basketball leagues. Whether under the FIBA or not, it covers the basketball leagues,” Reyes, who mentored the national team on many occasion, added.

Ravena, who is having a spectacular rookie year with the Road Warriors, tested positive for three substances under the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list that was present in a post-workout drink. This was the result of a random drug testing that was conducted on the athlete during the home game against Japan in Window 2 of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

The cager's ban runs until August 24, 2019. The Road Warriors made their first steps in dealing with the void left by Ravena on Wednesday night where they took on a retooled Blackwater side. A collective effort towed the Road Warriors past the Elite, who were getting a boost from returning import Henry Walker.—