No rust in Kiefer Ravena’s game

Kiefer Ravena didn’t leave anything to chance. He did not participate in any games during Gilas Pilipinas’ Torneo de Malaga in Spain because his suspension was not yet over. Even when it was already August 24 in the Philippines, the NLEX Road Warriors guard wanted to make sure if the lifting of the sanction is based on Philippine time or Switzerland time (where the FIBA office is).

But when the end of his 18-month ordeal was beyond doubt, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle proved that he was ready. It seems like the cobwebs have been washed away as he scored 11 points, two rebounds, and a steal in his return to competitive basketball. Though Gilas bowed down against the Adelaide 36ers, the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player became the biggest winner of them all.

Being part of the final squad that will represent the country in the FIBA World Cup in Foshan, China was merely a bonus. Playing the game that he loved most after a long lay-off is sweeter than any accolade he will get. The moment was made sweeter when his family was in attendance for the moment. No one supported him more than father Bong, mother Mozzy, and brother Thirdy. As athletes, they know how it feels to not be able to perform in their stage.

Now that the over 500 days of fall is over, Ravena can look forward to another spring in his basketball career. After his stint with Gilas, he is set to return to the Road Warriors in the PBA Governor’s Cup. All the national team’s scrimmages and games serve as his crash course to familiarize himself with Coach Yeng Guiao’s system once more. Likewise, NLEX will have more scoring options for the third conference that will start on September 20.

He will not be up for any individual awards this season. Fortunately, he will have a lot of opportunities to make for lost time. This chapter of his life will make him appreciate his opportunity even more. That will fuel Kiefer Ravena to continue his climb to the Parthenon of the PBA’s best.