Collegiate standout Ricci Rivero will lead the team that will make up Philippine delegation to the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup in Xi’An, China.
Rivero, who recently left De La Salle University to undergo residency for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, will join 6’6” center Jeepy Faundo, Far Eastern University juniors’ point guard RJ Abarrientos, and San Beda juniors forward Rhayyan Amsali.
This marks Rivero’s return to international 3×3 competition since representing the country in the FIBA 3×3 Under-18 World Cup in 2015.
At that time, Rivero teamed up with Kobe Paras, Mike Nieto, and Richard Escoto.
The Philippines is grouped in Pool C along with Serbia, Slovenia, China, and Turkmenistan.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has appointed Ronnie Magsanoc as the 3X3 head coach.
Magsanoc said that the task is very challenging.
“We’ll be facing very strong teams in pool C, including # 1 ranked Serbia, # 5 Slovenia, # 8 China and # 15 Turkmenistan,” Magsanoc said in a viber message.
He added that the Philippines is considered as the lowest-ranked team in the tournament.
“But we want to compete with the best in the world,” Magsanoc said.
The competition will be held from October 3 to 7, with only the top two teams in each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
SBP President Al Panlilio supports the Philippine delegation to FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup in Xi’An, China.
“SBP is determined to increase the popularity of 3X3 in our country. Aside from establishing and strongly pushing for local 3X3 tournaments, we are also just starting to actively participate in international competitions with the goal of getting the necessary experience and at the same time improve on our world ranking which is currently pegged at # 47, ” said Panlilio.