It has been a turbulent couple of weeks for Troy Rike.
Barely two weeks before the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball Tournament opened its curtains, the 22-year-old Filipino-American was scrambling to fix his papers to clear him for the season. He had to go back to California to get his clearance, as waiting for the Department of Justice was taking too long.
But it proved to be worth it, as he was able to make it for the season.
As he entered the court, the product of Wake Forest savored the moment. And he felt something familiar.
“The environment, the fans, the atmosphere rivals North Carolina, Duke, everything I’ve been in, which is amazing. I didn’t really expect that.
“In terms of the actual game it’s different. It’s an adjustment. I played games in the Filoil but it’s still different. In terms of the atmosphere, the environment and the talent level, it’s right there,” he confessed.
In his UAAP debut, Rike made an immediate impact, finishing with six points and seven rebounds off the bench. His production proved to be crucial in the end game for the National University Bulldogs to fend off the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 75-70.
Having been part of big time moments in the NCAA, Jamike Jarin sees Rike as his most veteran player.
“He’s the most experienced. It’s what we lack right now. If you can see, he was making the right decisions every time,” beamed Jarin. “No forced shots, of course everybody makes mistakes but if there’s one good thing about him, he’s consistent.
“He doesn’t repeat his mistakes, hopefully he gets stronger and faster pa and it develops into more wins.”
Though wanting to use this stint with the Bulldogs as a way for him to get more game reps, Rike vows to do whatever it takes to lead NU back to the promised land.
“Whatever it takes to win,” he declared.
“If the coaches want me to play the five, the four, in a zone I can play the three, I’m getting more comfortable at it. At Wake Forest I’ve never played the five ever but it’s something to play basketball over here I have to get used to and it’s something that I have to get comfortable at.”
