Even early in their young careers, the University of the Philippines duo of Ricci Rivero and Juan Gomez de Liaño have never turned a blind eye for the country.
Rivero and Gomez de Liaño have already represented the country in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball. The former was even part of the seniors’ team pool back in the fifth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
So when the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas opened the pool for the upcoming 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the 19-year-old De Liaño immediately sent out a Tweet.
“Where and when is the tryout?” he Tweeted back in September 18.
A few days later, the SBP announced 10 of its 24 man pool. For the amateur standouts, both Rivero and Gomez de Liano were part of the list.
And the two are just grateful to be part of it and make history in Manila.
“It’s an honor to be there and it will be an honor to play for the Philippines,” said De Liano, a member of the All-UAAP team last season.
“Siyempre nakaka-overwhelm,” said Rivero, on the other hand.
“Sobrang nilu-look forward… Not just ako but lahat ng athletes, to be included sa pool, not just sa SEA Games, but to represent yung country nila cause yun ang the best of the best eh.”
Rivero knows how hard it is to crack the final lineup, as they are competing with pros. But for him, being able to train and help out Gilas is an honor in itself.
“Siguro for me, sobrang saya na ‘di ko alam ang mafi-feel ko. The fact na naisip nila to include my name in the list, nakakataba ng puso. And I’m really looking forward to trying out. Kung may tryouts kasi, ‘di pa rin basta-basta dahil dito gaganapin ang SEA Games,” said the 21-year-old Rivero.
“I’m really preparing for that.”
