TAIPEI, Taiwan - The Gilas Pilipinas journey for Troy Rike continues.
Rike is part of the 15-player pool Gilas head coach Chot Reyes took to Taiwan for the upcoming tilt against Chinese Taipei on Friday. The six-foot-seven forward out of Wake Forest University was the lone member from the Gilas 23 for 2023 pool who joined the seniors' team on their trip.
Rike told ESPN5 he couldn't contain the excitement when he got the call last week from the coaching staff that he would be flying with the group to Taiwan.
"It's an honor to be here, just be around the team and learn from the veterans and take this first step to hopefully representing the country," he said. "When I found out that it was actually going to happen, it was amazing."
Rike had earlier told reporters of his elation when he received news that his name was included in the Gilas 23 for 23 list which Reyes revealed in January.
"It's always been a dream of mine to play here and play with a bunch of talented players and experience the Gilas program," he said in a previous interview.
Since he got to Manila, Rike has actively participated in the Gilas weekly practices. He even saw action with the rest of the Gilas Cadets in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup presented by Chooks-to-Go where displayed a lot of potential with his length and outside shooting.
"It's all happening so fast, I've only been here for a month but I can't stop. I'm ready to go," he said.
Rike admitted traveling with the group will allow him to study how the veteran Gilas members carry themselves throughout the trip. But most importantly, he hopes to pick up valuable lessons from his teammates during practices and games which in turn will aid his development in the program.
"Obviously, it's the things on the court. These guys have international experience and professional experience. Any little things I can learn from them will be really helpful for me going forward."
The Gilas journey of Rike is only in the early stages but he's already receiving the much-needed boost to quickly get acclimated to the program and proper guidance from the coaching staff and veteran Gilas members.
Whether Rike becomes a household name as part of the Gilas team down the road remains to be seen. For now, he's just enjoying the ride.