TROY Rike likened the atmosphere of the UAAP opener to some of the best he has seen in Division I of the NCAA.
With 18,535 people in attendance, the 22-year-old Rike was left awestruck with the game environment as he officially made his debut with National University on Saturday.
“The environment, the fans, the atmosphere rivals North Carolina, Duke, everything I’ve been in which is amazing. I didn’t really expect that,” said Rike after the match.
To be in such position is already a blessing in itself for Rike who a few days ago was uncertain on whether he’ll be eligible to play for the Bulldogs.
“Honestly in the past two weeks I might have spent more time on the plane that on a basketball court. It’s tough, four or five days ago I’m not sure if I thought I wasn’t playing for sure. It’s been a rollercoaster, but honestly I think it’s a good thing,” Rike said.
“It’s a blessing just to be able to play. It was taken away from me and I know what it’s like to feel that sadness. So now, everytime I get on the court, I’m just happy to be able to play basketball, be with my brothers and play the game I love,” he added.
Rike had a fairly quiet debut as he finished with six points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes of action. But head coach Jamike Jarin was definitely delighted, saying that what Rike gives is something that can’t be seen in the stat sheet.
“He’s the most experienced. It’s what we lack right now. If you can see, he was making the right decisions everytime. No forced shots, of course everybody makes mistakes but if there’s one good thing about him, he’s consistent,” Jarin said.
“He doesn’t repeat his mistakes, hopefully he gets stronger and faster pa and it develops into more wins,” he added.
“He’s very smart. He’s a floor spacer. He’s not scared to bang bodies with people. That’s the good thing about it,” Jarin said. “Playing four years in Wake Forest, playing against and with the best college players that’s what he brings in.”
Rike is just thankful to get the win
“Anytime you can get a win you’re happy. We have a really talented team, I’m happy we were able to get out on a right note. Credit to these guys my teammates played really well,” said Rike.
“There’s some things we got to tighten up which coach mentioned but I think if we keep playing together we’ll be alright.”
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