MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena will have to do all of his basketball-related activities on his own for a while.

After seeking clarification from FIBA regarding the 18-month suspension slapped on the NLEX rookie, Samahahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio bared that Ravena is also not allowed to attend the Road Warriors practices. 

Ravena’s suspension, which extends to “all forms of leagues and activities,” began last Feb. 25 –the day he underwent the random drug test following Gilas Pilipinas’ home game against Japan – and will last until Aug. 24, 2019. 

“He’s also not allowed to practice. It’s all basketball related,” Panlilio told reporters after the PBA board convened regarding Ravena’s status and the country’s basketball bid in the upcoming Asian Games. 

The 24-year-old did not suit up for NLEX for the first time in his PBA career last Wednesday, May 30, as the Road Warriors nipped the Blackwater Elite, 93-89. (READ: Amid FIBA suspension, Kiefer Ravena displays unwavering support for NLEX)

The SBP sent a letter to FIBA last Monday, May 28, inquiring whether the world basketball body’s sanction on Ravena also affects his professional career. 

“I actually knew the answer even before I received the reply. It’s very clear naman (already) in the ruling na all leagues except for activities na anti-doping na educational and awareness campaign,” Panlilio said. 

“But it’s very clear that he’s not allowed to play in any league.”

Ravena will be the SBP’s ambassador in spreading awareness regarding banned substances that should be avoided not just by local basketball players but by all Filipino athletes. 

As the 24-year-old progresses in his campaign, Panlilio revealed they will try to appeal to FIBA if Ravena’s suspension could be shortened. 

“We will continue to try down the road and maybe approach FIBA again and say, ‘Ito naman ‘yung ginagawa noong bata.’ Hindi muna ngayon kasi we got a very definitive answer naman. And I think in fairness to FIBA, the decision was well-thought-of. There was due process done.”

(We will continue to try down the road and maybe approach FIBA again and say, ‘This is what he has been doing.’ We will not try now because we got a very definitive answer from them. And I think in fairness to FIBA, the decision was well-thought-of. There was due process done.) – Rappler.com