FOSHAN, China – Kiefer Ravena underwent a second random drug test on the eve of Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA World Cup match against Serbia, a move that didn’t sit well with coach Yeng Guiao.
“Parang hindi na random. Parang hindi accurate ang word na random (I don’t think it’s no longer random. I don’t think the word random is no longer accurate),” Guiao said after practice Sunday evening at the Foshan International Sports and Cultural Center here.
“Maybe they’re really picking on him. Kaka-blood test, kaka-drug test lang niya. Pero wala naman tayong tinatago so okay lang sa atin,” he added.
Ravena had been tested twice since arriving here for the FIBA’s biggest showpiece. He had recently completed an 18-month ban imposed by the world governing body.
Though he understands that it is part of FIBA’s strict procedures, Ravena couldn’t help but wonder why he had to take another test.
“I was a little surprised, my name being there,” said Ravena, who took the same procedure prior to Gilas’ 108-62 loss to Italy.
“Like I said, I don’t take it personally. It’s part of the tournament I guess. They told us that at any part of the tournament, you can be called.”
Ravena stressed that there’s no reason to see it as a distraction as Gilas was attempting to at least put a better showing against powerhouse Serbia at presstime.
Gilas is on the brink of absorbing a second straight loss and elimination from second round contention.
That would relegate the Nationals to a classification round for 17th to 32nd places in Beijing, perhaps needing to win all two matches in the Chinese capital to secure a place in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The Nationals face the bottom two teams of Group C composed of Spain, Puerto Rico, Tunisia and Iran.
