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| Despite being part of Manny Pangilinan's wishlist, Ricci Rivero was not included in Chot Reyes' preliminary Gilas Cadets pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Nikki Collantes (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Coach Chot Reyes showed the list of players that will become part of the Gilas Cadets pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
[Related Story: "23 for '23" revealed]
However, La Salle's spitfire guards Aljun Melecio and Ricci Rivero were interestingly not included in the "23 for '23" list despite SBP chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan wanting the latter to be part of the pool.
[Related Story: MVP bares wishlist for Gilas 2023]
In an interview with ESPN 5 on Friday night, Reyes clarified that they were not snubbed and in fact were considered to make the list only that the Green Archers asked him to not include them for the meantime.
"La Salle has actually asked us not to include any of their players first, because they're in the process now of transition and reformation of their program," said Reyes.
In his tweet announcing the Gilas Cadets pool, he clarified that it is not yet final, meaning Rivero and Melecio can still be called up to the pool anytime.
The Green Archers made headlines during the week when Head Coach Aldin Ayo confirmed that he left the team and signed a long-term deal to coach the UST Growling Tigers.
[Related Story: UST ends coaching saga with Ayo taking over the Growling Tigers]
Louie Gonzalez was named the new head coach of La Salle.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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