Alyssa Valdez grappled for words when asked how she's dealing with the controversy surrounding Kiefer Ravena, who was recently slapped by an 18-month ban by FIBA after testing positive for prohibited substances.
The NLEX rookie and Gilas Pilipinas guard was declared ineligible to participate in all basketball-related activities until August 24, 2019. This means that he will not be able to suit up in any basketball leagues or even attend team practices.
"I really don't know how to answer because I'm not in the position of Kiefer," Valdez told reporters after Creamline secured a semifinals berth in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Saturday. "We can't say we're okay but I think Kiefer is a man who stands by what happened."
Amidst the unfortunate situation, Valdez expressed her gratefulness for the outpouring of support that Ravena has been receiving.
"I know everyone who's behind him is really supporting him on what happened. Everyone's supporting him also so I think we're (going to be) okay," she continued.
For Valdez, this issue is a blessing in disguise as it can help spread awareness on banned substances that athletes like her need to watch out for. Ravena has earlier said that he will help initiate doping prevention programs, together with the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
"Looking at the brighter side, at least now we know that we need to be careful in everything we do. I think that's the blessing in disguise about what happened. Everyone will be more careful because everything's over the counter and we really don't know what they contain," said Valdez, who's also a national team mainstay.
"We just want to perform well, to be ready for all our games. Because of what happened to Kiefer, at least now we know that we should really be careful," she added.
Like all the other sports personalities who are rallying behind Ravena, Valdez is also confident that her boyfriend will be able to rise above this adversity.
"We know that Kiefer will hopefully come back really strong for his basketball career," Valdez closed.