Ravena, Rivero headline Slam Rising Stars

Thirdy Ravena. Twitter Photo

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila’s top high school players led by Thirdy Ravena and Prince Rivero headline the first staging of the Slam Rising Stars Classic Saturday at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

Ravena, the UAAP Most Valuable Player from Ateneo, and Rivero, who captured the NCAA MVP award while playing for La Salle Greenhills, are bannering the two All-Star teams made up of stars from the UAAP, NCAA and Tiong Lian Basketball League.

Composed of Rivero and fellow NCAA standouts Arvin Tolentino and Ranbill Tongco, Team Hype will have multi-titled coach Jamike Jarin at the helm with Gilas Pilipinas skipper Jimmy Alapag as assistant coach.

Also part of Team Hype is Hubert Cani of National U, Jeric Adorio of Jose Rizal U, Rhanzel Yong and JP Cauilan of San Sebastian, Hope Christian School’s Arjan Dela Cruz and Clint Doliguez, Far Eastern U’s Richard Escoto as well as Ateneo standouts Matt and Mike Nieto.

Ravena will be joined by San Beda’s Adven Diputado and Javee Mocon, Adamson’s Reiner Quinga, Renzo Subido of La Salle Zobel in Team Punks that will be coached by PBA legends Olsen Racela and Johnny Abbarientos.

Team Punks will also have Alfren Gayosa and Michael Calisaan of San Sebastian, John Apacible of Hope, Isaiah Dandan of University of Sto. Tomas, Diego Dario of University of the Philippines-IS, JJ Domingo of FEU and Jay Javelosa of Reedley.

Presented by Cherifer PGM 10-22 and backed by Titan 22, the All-Star game will also be televised on FOX Sports at 8 p.m. on April 20.