KIEFER Ravena failed a random drug test after Gilas Pilipinas' Fiba World Cup qualifier away to Australia and faces a suspension from international play, multiple sources told SPIN.ph on Monday.
The NLEX star rookie was supposed to play in Sunday's PBA All-Star Game in Iloilo City but was summoned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) back to Manila for a press conference without revealing details.
Amid wild speculations, sources confirmed to SPIN.ph that Ravena 'tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug' after the game in Melbourne which Gilas lost to the Boomers, 84-68, last February 22.
Ravena, 24, was one of the silver linings for Gilas in that loss, scoring six points to go with two assists and two rebounds in 17 minutes of play.
Officials from the PBA, NLEX, and the SBP declined to confirm or deny the story, saying all the facts will be divulged during the press conference in Manila. No schedule has been given to media outlets at posting time.
Sources revealed SBP officials have been made aware of the positive result for some time now but opted to launch an appeal before the Fiba medical board, requesting a second test.
The result of the test on the second sample likewise came out positive only recently, a source added.
However, it is not uncommon for athletes to test positive for after ingesting banned substances without their knowledge.
PBA and SBP officials told SPIN.ph that all members of the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the qualifiers are required to undergo drug-testing at any time, as ordered by Fiba.
The former Ateneo King Eagle is in the middle of an impressive rookie season after being made the No. 2 pick in the last PBA draft by NLEX after San Miguel draftee Christian Standhardinger.
His varsity career was no less spectacular, highlighted by two UAAP championships with Ateneo and multiple MVP awards, both in high school and college.
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