Ateneo ace Buenafe won't suit up for RnW

MANILA, Philippines - Paolo Trillo, the manager of the Ateneo basketball team, yesterday said that Ryan Buenafe remained with the Blue Eagles and would not be playing for RnW Pacific Pipes in the inaugural PBA D-League firing off tomorrow at The Arena in San Juan.

“We’ve talked to Ryan the other day (Tuesday). We didn’t give him the permission to play in the D-League as we want him to concentrate with his academics,” Trillo told The STAR.

“He’s not practicing with us this semester but we have plans this summer. We’re playing in the Fil-Oil championship and the Fr. Martin’s Cup, then go to United States for a two-week training,” Trillo added.

Buenafe was listed in the RnW Pacific Pipes roster which the team management submitted to the PBA Tuesday.

PBA operations chief Rickie Santos, however, said any team can make changes in their respective lineups anytime until the end of the preliminary round.

“They were trying to get Ryan to play for them. Maybe, they’re still hoping Ryan will play,” said Trillo on why Pacific Pipes listed the Ateneo ace forward in its roster.

A reliable source said Buenafe did attend a Pacific Pipes practice but has since stopped.

“Ryan has informed team owner Brian Go he’s not allowed by Ateneo to play in the D-League. He’s definitely out,” said the same source.

Buenafe has two more playing years with the Eagles in the UAAP.

The Eagles are seeking a “four-peat” in the upcoming season with a lineup beefed up by talented young players Greg Slaughter, Kiefer Ravena, Gwayne Capacio and Mark Tallo.

Another new recruit is Von Pessumal.

“We lost only two players (Eric Salamat and Jayson Escueta) from last year’s team. Coach Norman Black will have to make a decision on who to cut,” said Trillo.

At UP, out of the Maroons roster is Joshua Benhur Saret who’s now with the Black Water Elite team in the D-League.

“He’s still attending the university but he’s out of the team,” said UP assistant coach Jojo Villa.

Saret once scored more than 80 points in a game with the Jose Rizal U in the NCAA juniors play.