Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

‘Transitioning’ La Salle asks Gilas not to put Green Archers in 23 for 2023 pool


When the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas unveiled its wishlist for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, there were shoo-ins and surprises. The likes of Thirdy Ravena, Kobe Paras, Kai Sotto, CJ Perez, and Robert Bolick were considered as locks while Jeo Ambohot, J-jay Alejandro, and some of the Filipino-Americans were surprises.

However, just like any list, there were players that were left out.

This time around, two of them came from La Salle in sophomore Ricci Rivero and junior Andrei Caracut.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan has even been vocal in saying that he hopes Rivero makes the team.

“We have excellent college players,” he told Tiebreaker Times last December 14, 2017.

“This year we have Ricci Rivero of La Salle, Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo, Robert Bolick of San Beda, and CJ Perez of Lyceum.”

However, La Salle did not allow its players to join the 23 for 2023 pool, according to Gilas head coach Chot Reyes.

“The school has asked us not to include their players first because they’re in the process of transition,” the president of ESPN5 told Sportscenter, Friday evening.

Both Green Archers stalwarts though plan to join the pool once they get clearance.

“Ipipilit ko yan kahit anong mangyari kasi pangarap yan ng lahat ng player,” said an oblivious Rivero, who averaged 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals last season.

“Kaya lang, kung ayaw nila, wala akong magagawa.”

“Wala pa namang kumausap sa akin, pero siyempre, gusto ko,” added Caracut, who posted norms of 7.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.

“Lahat ng players naman, gusto yun.”

The Green Archers want the transition from former head coach Aldin Ayo to incoming mentor Louie Gonzalez to be as smooth as possible. And this includes a favor asking the student-athletes to decrease their presence on social media for the time being.

#ReadMore  Mayhem reigns supreme as La Salle escapes NU for second win

For his part, Reyes stressed that nothing is final for the 2023 Gilas team as a lot of things can still happen in five years.

“This is a pool, this is a list and it doesn’t mean that these are players for 2023,” he shared. “There are still very young players in the current Gilas pool. What we are saying is this is the Gilas pool and the 23 for 2023, now you fight.

“It’s up to them to prove to us who belongs in the final roster.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Defending champion La Salle-Ecooil and last year’s runner-up Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda got off to flying starts to open their respective campaigns in the 2023...

Basketball

De La Salle University has locked another shooter to its ranks. Gilas Youth standout James Nacua has committed to La Salle. He was welcomed...

Basketball

Reigning champion La Salle-Ecooil and favored Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda loom as heavy favorites as they kick off the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup against...

Basketball

TNT cut short Terrafirma’s unbeaten streak, 100-97, for its second win of the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum....

DLSU

Reigning champion La Salle-Ecooil and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda lead the six-team field cast in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, set to commence on...

Basketball

In his first game back after figuring in a melee, Jamie Malonzo produced his finest performance. The 6-foot-7 winger, despite still nursing a black...

Basketball

Northport exhibited poise beyond its youth, securing a 124-120 victory against Phoenix in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Friday at the SMART...

Basketball

Blackwater earned a huge 87-76 upset against TNT to take the early lead in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Saturday at the SMART...

Advertisement