NLEX’s early exit as top seed gives Kiefer Ravena some bitter flashbacks

NLEX Road Warriors huddle during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals against TNT.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Kiefer Ravena may be playing in the Japan B.League, but he still keeps tabs on the PBA from time to time.

Of course, that meant he remains up to date, especially when it comes to his former team, NLEX.

The Road Warriors had quite the misfortune in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup, wasting their twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals at the hands of TNT.

READ: Kiefer Ravena to stay in B.League but with new team

And who else would know that pain better than Ravena?

“Hopefully we didn’t pass that curse,” said the former Yokohama guard at SM Megamall on Saturday.

“It still stings for me because it could’ve been another semifinals opportunity for me in my first year right after my suspension.”

Led by Robert Bolick, NLEX found success in the elimination round as the top seed with a 10-2 card.

But despite being armed with a twice-to-beat incentive, the Road Warriors still faltered to the Tropang 5G led by import Bol Bol.

That’s a familiar sight for Ravena. Almost way too familiar.

Back in 2019 when Ravena still played for NLEX, he fueled the Road Warriors to the No. 1 spot with an 8-3 record in the Governors’ Cup.

Much like this year’s NLEX squad, Ravena’s crew also lost to the eighth-seed in the quarters.

He did, however, acknowledge that the Road Warriors will only get better with their young core of LJay Gonzales, Xyrus Torres, JB Bahio and Schonny Winston.

“The future’s bright for them. If ever a time comes if I return with those guys around, it’ll make things a lot easier knowing those guys can perform. I’d just be on the sidelines monitoring and mentoring those guys.”