Ricci Rivero makes surprise appearance at Gilas practice

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ricci Rivero made quite a surprise after showing up at Gilas Pilipinas practice on Monday at Meralco Gym.

The high-flying swingman watched from the sidelines as members of the current national team pool and the “23-for-23” cadet list practiced for the first time together.

READ: Vets, young guns show up at Gilas practice

The 19-year-old did not entertain questions from the media as he made it clear that he was at the venue as nothing but a casual observer.

Rivero’s name was one of the biggest omissions from Reyes’ “23-for-23” list, but the Gilas Pilipinas coach had already stated before that La Salle asked him to refrain from enlisting players for the meantime following the coaching drama the school had to put up with the departure of Aldin Ayo.

READ: ‘Not snubbed’: Rivero, La Salle standouts beg off from initial Gilas pool

“The school has actually asked us not to include any of their players first because their in a process of transition and reformation of their program,” he said in a previous interview on SportsCenter Philippines.

Reyes, however, is leaving the door open for Rivero as his addition would definitely be a big boost for the national team pool.