Kiefer Isaac Dela Cruz Ravena (born May 6, 1993) is a Filipino professional basketball player. He is known for his playmaking abilities as a guard and has competed at the collegiate, professional, and international levels.
Early life and education
- Born in Iloilo City, Philippines.
- Attended Ateneo de Manila University, where he played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Collegiate career
- Played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles from 2011 to 2015.
- Helped the team win four consecutive UAAP men's basketball championships (Season 73 to Season 76).
- Earned multiple individual honors, including UAAP Finals MVP (Season 73) and UAAP Season 75 Most Valuable Player.
Professional career
- Joined the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after being selected 5th overall in the 2017 PBA Draft by the TNT KaTropa (now TNT Tropang Giga).
- Played for TNT from 2017 to 2021, contributing as a point guard and shooting guard.
- In 2021, signed with the Shiga Lakestars of Japan’s B.League, becoming one of the few Filipino players in the league.
- Returned to the PBA in 2023, signing with the Cignal HD Spikers for the 2023–24 season.
International competition
- Member of the Philippine men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas.
- Represented the Philippines in multiple tournaments, including the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Controversies and sanctions
- In February 2021, the International Testing Agency (ITA) issued a provisional suspension after Ravena tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance under the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) code.
- The suspension was lifted after his appeal; however, the incident highlighted the importance of compliance with anti‑doping regulations.
Personal life
- Son of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Bong Ravena.
- Married to television host and former beauty queen Denden Lazaro; the couple has a child.
Legacy
Kiefer Ravena is regarded as one of the most prominent Filipino basketball talents of his generation, notable for his successful transition from a dominant collegiate player to a professional and international competitor. His career reflects the growing presence of Filipino athletes in regional professional leagues.
