For the past six months, Troy Rike has been one of the three constants for the Pasig Kings.
Together, they dominated the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup and placed third in the world’s first-ever Super Quest.
Later on, the troika – together with Dylan Ababou – competed in the 2019 Kunshan Challenger.
But all good things must come to an end.
During the off-season, expansion team Phenom-Basilan Steel tapped Rike to lead them in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 Patriot’s Cup presented by Coca-Cola.
Basilan needed him to lead the Steel team, which includes former Pasig Voyager Roosevelt Adams and 3×3 neophytes Franky Johnson and Marcus Hammonds.
“I was kind of excited, to be honest. I think the best way to grow is to put yourself in different situations. Of course, I was happy to be part of Pasig, but I have a bigger role now,” said Rike, the third-ranked 3×3 player in the Philippines.
“I’m excited for that.”
Behind Rike’s leadership, Basilan was able to sweep the pool stages to advance to the semifinals.
His teammate Franky Johnson then heated up in the semifinals to stun Wilkins-Balanga Pure, 21-19, to set up a showdown against his former squad.
“Usually, I’m not the guy who speaks up and be doing stuff, but we don’t really have a choice. I’ve been just playing for a little bit, but I need to share the wisdom I have to them,” the 23-year-old product of Wake Forest and National University shared.
But in the Finals, the experience of Pasig – or the inexperience of Basilan – showed, as Pasig ran past them. Basilan fell, 15-21.
Though disappointed he could not take down his former squad, Rike relished every single moment of it.
And it’s because no one expected them to be there.
“No one here expected us to be in the Finals today. Even before that game, no one expected us to be there with Balanga. Pasig hit some tough shots, and they are going to be the team to beat, but this is a good first step for us. We never played together before this,” he said.
“Moving forward, we are just going to get better.”
Seeing Rike thrive with a new squad, former teammate and good friend Taylor Statham could not help but be proud.
“I’m happy for Troy because he is with a good team. I feel like they are going to be in the finals a lot. He has more of an opportunity to show his offensive prowess with them. It will be good for him to grow. He still practices with us every day,” shared Statham.
“Whatever happens, he is still part of the squad.”
As they say – once a king, always a king.
