Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Rob Ricafort provides emotional boost to UP


Aside from the motivation brought about in facing the defending champions, it seemed like UP’s Rob Ricafort’s official entry in the squad gave the Fighting Maroons an emotional lift in beating powerhouse De La Salle University Green Archers, Saturday evening.

A day prior to the tilt, Ricafort’s camp was able to secure a TRO against the UAAP’s age requirement for student-athletes.

Since his eligibility issue created such a huge noise with trending hashtags #DontRobRob and #LetRobPlay online, and now that he is allowed to play for the meantime, all eyes were on him.

And when he entered the game with 7:48 remaining in the first half, the UP faithful in attendance greeted him with cheers.

The 24-year-old though didn’t do much in the 10 minutes he played, finishing with just two beats. But seemed like he was one of UP’s lucky charms.

Every time Ricafort entered the game, UP went on a scoring run.

When he entered the game two minutes into the second period, UP gunned a 6-0 run.

“Every time I just step on the court, I really just want to bring the energy and motivate everybody,” shared the 6-foot-3 forward, who had an efficiency rating of plus-10.

“Every time I’m in there, Paul [Desiderio] starts shooting the lights up!”

He shared that he felt the pressure to perform well most especially UP took extensive measures just for him to be fielded but eventually shook off his first game jitters.

“Earlier, before I got here, I was really nervous but I was able to compose myself when I stepped on the court.

“Two hours before the game I just started listening to gospel music to calm me down and listen to normal music that I listen to bring the hype,” Ricafort candidly shared.

#ReadMore  Bernadeth Pons willing to show 'no mercy' for twice-to-beat advantage

Now with a convincing win under UP’s belt, Ricafort just wants to go all-out until his TRO lapses or when the UAAP reverses its decision.

“We beat La Salle, and they are the number one team and that says a lot about our team,” the Fighting Maroon said.

“I’m just gonna play my heart out!”

By: Danine Cruz

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

The dawn of 2024 heralds a new era for University of the Philippines as it proudly announces its partnership with the Bank of the...

Basketball

University of the Philippines president Jijil Jimenez hosted a significant meeting on Monday. The gathering brought together key officials, including University of the Philippines...

Basketball

Another one of Mapua Universityā€™s prodigal sons is coming home. Cyril Gonzales has left the University of the Philippines and is set to be...

Basketball

After a season at University of the Philippines, Luis Pablo has decided to come home to his green roots. The NCAA Season 98 Juniors...

Basketball

Colegio de San Juan has scored a blue-chip recruit. Chris Hubilla will no longer head to University of the Philippines for college, instead committing...

Basketball

Elite programs always have a Plan B. Having missed out on Jared Bahay, University of the Philippines swiftly moved on as it was able...

Basketball

After a long hard thought, Miguel Yniguez has finally decided to move on from San Francisco State. The 6-foot-5 Filipino-American winger announced his decision...

Basketball

Jared Bahay is no longer part of University of the Philippinesā€™ plans. The 5-foot-9 floor general out of Cebu has notified UP that he...

Advertisement