To say that the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball has been a challenging campaign for Troy Rike is an understatement.
Before the Wake Forest University alumnus played even a second for the National University Bulldogs, his eligibility was questioned behind closed doors. A few months later, he was detained by the Bureau of Immigration after the Bulldogs’ first round clash with the DLSU Green Archers.
“Obviously, the whole team and myself, I wished we had better season than we did. But I think we have a lot of young guys,” commented the 23-year-old after NU’s 79-71 victory over the University of the East Red Warriors. “Unfortunately, I’m not going to be a part of it, but going forward this is gonna be a really strong team.
“To see it come together at the end was a nice way to end the season, which was disappointing to be honest.”
Rike led the Bulldogs with 17 points and 13 rebounds in his final outing in the UAAP. He may have saved the best for last but, after all that happened in 2018 for him alongside the criticisms, it was a consolation he can live well with.
“So in this final game, people close to me, my mentor, they all said to just have fun, just relax, just enjoy your last game in the UAAP, and I was glad that translated into something really good today,” said the big man, who had his uncle Senator Antonio Trillanes as one of his guests for the game.
“I was just in a better mental state today so I’m glad I can say I still have that in me.”
Everything that has happened to Rike in his short stay in the Philippines has left a mark in his life. On the court, though, he admitted that he struggled to perform under the limelight.
“I think being in a different role was kind of tough for me.
“It was a tough year but I think I’m gonna learn, I’m gonna grow from this. There were a lot of obstacles but I think that’s gonna make me stronger as a person,” said the 23 for 2023 pool member.
The Gilas cadet shared that he plans to finish his Master’s degree in NU and stick around to help his now-former teammates – such as Dave Ildefonso, John Lloyd Clemente, and John Galinato – improve their game.
“They have a lot of potential. I think if this team puts it together mentally and just gains a little bit more experience, they’re gonna be dangerous in the coming years,” he promised.
As for his future in Philippine basketball, Rike left that up in the air. His handlers have already sent his application for the PBA D-League draft, which he hopes will help him improve his game away from the huge media attention should he get drafted. Gunning for the PBA is also an option.
“I don’t know for sure. I’m gonna go home, be with my family, be with my friends, get my physical health where it needs to be, get my mental health where it needs to be and then re-evaluate,” he said.
“But I think wherever I go in life, facing adversity, learning, is gonna serve me well no matter what I do.”
At the end of the day, the FIlipino-American can finally put this season and his struggles behind him.
