Kiefer Ravena excited as he finally goes to practice with Gilas

Kiefer Ravena officially returned to basketball activities on Monday after attending the practices of Gilas Pilipinas at the Meralco Gym.

Ravena looked excited in his first practice back since being slapped with a ban by FIBA for drinking a performance-enhancing drug. Ravena’s suspension will lapse on August 24, but he is already allowed to get involved in basketball-related activities such as practices two months before.

“Parang bata na kinuhaan ng laruan tapos binalik mo din uli yung matagal niyang hindi nalalaro. That’s exactly how I feel,” said Ravena after Monday’s practice.

Ravena said it has been a long day for him Monday, waking up very early in the morning excited to join practices with Gilas Pilipinas.

“Naging sobrang haba ng araw ko. Halos 3:30, 3:35, 4:30, gising na ako knowing that I will be able to practice 12 hours from that time that I woke up. It’s really a great feeling,” Ravena said.

Ravena will be vying for the final 12 spots for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and although head coach Yeng Guiao indicated that Ravena is already assured of that spot, he will still be working hard.

“Sinabi niya kanina na everybody is still fighting for that spot. I guess I just hold to that kung ano yung pinakasinabi niya ngayon lang,” said Ravena.