Kyle Gamber will be out of Ateneo de Manila University roster when Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament opens on 12 September.

In a social media post late Saturday, the 6-foot-3 gunner stressed that he will be sitting out for “personal reasons.” Instead, he will train and develop as a basketball player while preserving his playing year.

Gamber is part of the Blue Eagles’ 17-man roster in the PinoyLiga-The Big Dance, a tournament that they are using as a warmup for the UAAP wars.

He, however, failed to make an impact in Ateneo’s 71-60 victory over Our Lady of Fatima University last week.

“Yes, I am sitting out this season for personal reasons,” Gamber said, dismissing the idea that he is at odds with some of his teammates and newly-appointed Ateneo coach Louie Alas.

“I love the team, especially all the guys. Let’s not push any false narratives. Thank you.”

In his guesting at Off the Court, the online sports show of DAILY TRIBUNE, Alas strongly denied speculations that there are some players who are unhappy with the way he’s running his team.

He stressed that they have a lot of catching up to do so they have to focus their time and energy on their preparation as they aim to come up with a strong performance to honor the memories of their departed teammates in Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

“We’re not focusing on the rumors because we don’t know the truth about everything. If someone is not happy, I can’t control that. I’ll just do what I know is right for the team,” said the veteran mentor who has won titles in the collegiate, amateur and professional levels.

“If you’re not happy, then leave the team. That’s how simple it is.”

Alas said they are still a work in progress with barely a few weeks left before the start of the season.

“I can’t really say our tactics here, but we have a lot to improve, especially our turnovers and field goals and our three-point shooting,” Alas said.

“As I’ve said, we have a lot of things to improve, especially on the defensive end, our turnovers and field goals. Those are the things that we have to focus on.”

With Gamber out, the Blue Eagles will bank on its deep guard rotation featuring Jared Bahay, Shaw Tuano, Waki Espina, Ian Espinosa as well as new recruits Kieffer Alas, EJ Kapihe, Jay-M Leal, Travis Roberts and Grayson Rogers.

“We’ll be fine,” Alas said.

“‘We have the likes of Jared Bahay, Sean Tuano, Waki Espina and Drew Bongo. There are also a lot of veterans, third- and fourth-year players. They will lead this team.”