As early as 2018 during the Asian Games in Jakarta, Ricci Rivero, one of the top collegiate players back then, was already been included in the national team pool by then head coach Yeng Guiao.
From there on, he became part of the expanded pool leading to the ’23 in 2023′, a program designed by coach Chot Reyes as the fiery mentor came up with a plan and identified a mixture of young and experienced players tasked to play for Gilas Pilipinas in major international tournaments, including the FIBA World Cup.
Ricci Rivero’s dream of playing for the national team remains as it is — a dream — but that doesn’t mean he has given up hopes of representing the country even after he joined the Philippine Basketball Association as a rookie playijng for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
“I think all basketball players are hoping or dreaming of playing for your country,” said Rivero during an interview with The Link Podcast, which was also joined in by select students from St. Dominic College of Asia — the Mass Com students taking up Radio Scriptwriting and BS Nursing 1J students taking up Purposive Communication.
“It’s very heartwarming representing your country,” he added. “Siyempre para sa amin, the biggest stage talaga is playing for Gilas. It will be a dream forever.”
Rivero has been drawing much attention in his first season playing in the PBA, not just because of his good looks, but how he performs inside the court.
He’s been following the footsteps of previous rookies, who immediately made their marks even while playing in their rookie seasons — players like Tyler Tio and Encho Serrano — two young talented cagers who caught the fancy of basketball purists.
Rivero didn’t disappoint and right from the get-go, he quickly made a big splash.
He has become an instant key figure in Phoenix Super LPG’s youth movement, which transformed the Fuel Masters’ drive of going the extra mile and last conference, he and his squad were able to make a deep run to the playoffs when they reached the semifinals of the Commissioner’s Cup.
Last conference, Rivero made key contributions for the Fuel Masters, averaging 8.27 points in just 15 minutes of playing time.
In the ongoing Philippine Cup, his average increased even more, tallying 9.75 points in 19 minutes.
“For sure it’s a big factor,” added Rivero, referring to the trust and confidence given to him by coach Jamike Jarin. “Not just Coach Jamike, but the whole team. They’re giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent.”
“I’m just glad that I’ve joined Phoenix because it doesn’t feel like we were working there, but we were more like a family. Masaya yung environment during practrices, on and off the court. We were very much close because we would go to each other’s place.”
Elaine Urquia, a BSN1J student of Purposive Communication, asked about how Rivero was able to attain personal growth amid the negativities that he received in the early part of his PBA career.
“For me naging big impact (in my career) yung mga negative issues na nangyayari sa akin,” said Rivero. “It’s really something that serves as a wake up call. It also made me realized who the people you can count on.”
Fyght Sunga, another Nursing student, asked Rivero his adjustments prior to joining the PBA as he was coming off a stint in Taiwan.
“Sobrang struggle rin for me,” added Rivero. “I came from Taiwan late last year before deciding to join the PBA draft. May mga injuries, but that’s nothing new. But I tried as much as possible to do everything and exceed my own expectations.”
Rivero is probably the latest celebrity athlete to join the PBA, but the sensational newcomer is not closing doors on every opportunity that will come his way even outside the basketball court.
“When I started acting, that was the time when I was moving in from one school to another in the UAAP, so you need to sit out for a year,” said Rivero, while answering the question of Zandra Carias, a third year student of BA Communication Arts. “So since hindi pa ako puwedeng maglaro at next year pa, I have a year and a half of rest, so there were chances to accept offers.”
“I’m not closing the doors, but I talked to the management team which is handling my career that hindi na muna kami mag-accept anything (acting career) at this time.”
