Finally cleared to take part in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments, Kiefer Ravena was asked to undergo a random drug testing after the Gilas Pilipinas’ practice in Foshan, China last Thursday.
“I expected it. At least once, I knew I’d be tested here but I welcome it. It’s also a chance for me to put everything behind,” Ravena said in a report by Carlo Pamintuan of tv5.espn.com.
Ravena, who will see action for Gilas in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, welcomed the random drug test, saying it will help clear his name.
“I made a mistake and learned my lesson. Now I know for sure what the result of that test will be,” he said.
The report added that it was in May 28, 2018 when FIBA announced that it was suspending Ravena for 18 months after he tested positive for banned substances following a FIBA Asian Qualifiers game earlier that year.
The ban, which was retroactively applied, was lifted just last week.
The suspension also prevented Ravena from suiting up with the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA.
Ravena will be officially back in action for the first time in 14 months when Gilas takes on Italy on August 31.
PHOTO CREDIT: PBA IMAGES
