KIEFER Ravena is keeping his focus on his Asean Basketball League (ABL) debut with Alab Pilipinas, saying basketball has become a 'sanctuary' for him since he got entangled in a controversy over lewd photos that spread on social media.
The former UAAP star got another practice with Alab under his belt on Thursday, a day after he announced in a statement that a former Ateneo student was arrested in an entrapment operation and chaged with robbery and extortion over the scandal.
As tough as it was, Ravena said he is keeping his mind on basketball with his ABL debut in a semifinal away game against the Singapore Slingers just days away.
“Siyempre, ‘yung focus ko, nandoon talaga kasi matagal tagal na rin akong hindi nakakalaro. My focus is double, triple. Hindi ako puwedeng magpa-apekto sa ganun,” Ravena said at the end of Alab practice.
[See Ravena says man arrested for 'robbery, extortion' over lewd photos scandal]
That doesn't mean the challenge will be easy, considering the former King Eagle hasn't played in an official game since injuring his hand during Mighty Sports' campaign in a Dubai tournament.
Aside from that, Ravena is cramming for Alab while dealing with the fallout from lewd photos controversy.
“Sa akin naman, kailangan maayos ‘yung pag-handle ng lahat. Hindi ko masyado iniisip ‘yan kasi lahat naman ‘yan speculations pa lang at may investigation na nangyari. For me, titignan na lang kung ano mangyayari,” said Ravena.
Ravena also declined to comment on the reaction of his girlfriend, volleyball star Alyssa Valdez, to the controversy, on on how the issue has affected their relationship.
“Parang ‘yung ganun, sa aming dalawa na lang ‘yun. We have things to handle na sa amin na lang,” said Ravena.
Amid the furor, Ravena is happy to be playing basketball, which he considers his 'sanctuary.'
“Basketball for me is a sanctuary where I can be myself. Just play the game I love and play with some great players na masarap kasama sa court. It’s a chance to make it to the finals and bring back the championship sa Philippines,” said Ravena.
[See Scandal a 'non-issue' as Ravena quick to fit in at Alab]