MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena said he has come out from his FIBA-imposed suspension a better person and athlete as he nears his basketball comeback. 

Ravena, who has not played in the PBA and for Gilas Pilipinas since May 2018, will return to practice on Monday, June 24 – exactly two months before his 18-month suspension ends. 

“People will never understand what I went through. This experience has made me tougher, hungrier, and a lot wiser,” Ravena wrote on a series of tweets.

485 out of 487 days. People will never understand what i went through. This experience has made me tougher, hungrier and a lot wiser. To my day ones, you will always be a part of my journey. You guys were there every step of the way. Ya’ll Never stopped believing in me

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) June 22, 2019

That i can return slowly to where i was before. It’s a long and crazy process but we’ll go through it again together every step of the way. To all the doubters/haters, i respect you guys as much as i respect my supporters. We all have different opinions/point of views

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) June 22, 2019

But you definitely motivated me to even be better than before. For that, I appreciate the criticism even though u guys only know the preface of my story.

In 33 hours, My story will continue once again.

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) June 22, 2019

Nabbed as the second overall pick by NLEX in 2017, Ravena had a stellar start to his PBA career by helping the Road Warriors reach the semifinals for the first time in franchise history.

The 25-year-old also impressed in the international stage, serving as one of the Philippines’ reliable guards in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

However, his blossoming career was disrupted when FIBA suspended Ravena for testing positive for banned substances after he was randomly picked to undergo a drug test. 

Not only was Ravena barred from donning the national colors, he was also prohibited from playing in the PBA and joining NLEX in practice. 

But he drew strength from his supporters, as well as his doubters. 

“To my day ones, you will always be a part of my journey. You guys were there every step of the way. Y’all never stopped believing in me that I can return slowly to where I was before,” Ravena wrote. 

“It’s a long and crazy process but we’ll go through it again together every step of the way.” 

“To all the doubters and haters, I respect you guys as much as I respect my supporters. We all have different opinions and point of views. But you definitely motivated me to even be better than before.” 

“For that, I appreciate the criticism even though you guys only know the preface of my story.” 

Ravena is expected to join the national team in its buildup for the World Cup on Monday before attending practice with the Road Warriors on Tuesday. – Rappler.com