A familiar face in the 3×3 scene will lead Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 in the first-ever FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup.
UP Fighting Maroon Ricci Rivero is set to make his return to the 3×3 stage for the U-23 World Cup in Xi’an, China from October 3 to 7.
The 6-foot-1 swingman last represented the Philippines in the 3×3 stage was back in the 2015 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championships. Together with Kobe Paras, Mike Nieto, and Richard Escoto, the Philippines placed 17th in the tourney.
Joining him is another returnee in Rhayyan Amsali.
The 17-year-old San Beda Red Cub was part of the historic U-17 squad that placed 7th in the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup last year.
Completing the team are former UST Growling Tiger Jeepy Faundo and FEU Tamaraw RJ Abarrientos.
The Philippines is situated in Pool C of the tournament together with Serbia, Slovenia, Turkmenistan, and host China. The top two teams in each group will advance to the playoffs.
