Ricci Rivero ‘most probably’ playing for DLSU if not in US

MANILA, Philippines – La Salle Greenhills standout Ricci Rivero, the younger brother of DLSU Green Archers budding star Prince Rivero, says he’s probably going to be teammates with his brother if he doesn’t end up playing college hoops in the United States.

The younger Rivero told the media on Friday, February 21, that he will visit schools in the United States this summer. If he doesn’t commit to a university or college there, he’ll likely end up in Taft.

“If hindi ako mag (If I don’t go to the) States, most probably,” Rivero said about playing for La Salle moments after the Zobel vs. NU UAAP juniors finals Game 1 at San Juan Arena.

Rivero didn’t specifically mention which schools he will check out and said that his father, who’s an assistant coach for Phoenix in the PBA, is the one communicating with said universities.

A source close to Rivero told Rappler weeks ago that he had just acquired his visa, and is scheduled to check out at least two schools in the United States. 

But Rivero, an alumnus of the Jr. NBA program in the Philippines, also said he’s already been practicing with the Green Archers and their new head coach, Aldin Ayo.

Some images of Ricci Rivero practicing with DLSU I received a few weeks back. Got a story on this topic soon pic.twitter.com/3tIelQTVsu

— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) February 20, 2016

“Okay naman,” Rivero said about how training has been like. “Super helpful kasi yung mga tinuturo ni Coach Aldin, super pang college talaga na maiintindihan mo nang maayos.

“Yung sa system, basta follow lang sa defense. Sa offense wala naman siyang problems.”

(It’s been okay. Super helpful because what Coach Aldin teaches us is for college and can be understood properly.)

(With the system, you just have to follow on defense. When it comes to offense, he has no issues.)

Rivero, who turns 18 in May, averaged about 25.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.9 blocks a game in his senior season with La Salle Greenhills in the NCAA juniors.

His athleticism, skill, and potential would clearly benefit La Salle as it aims to win a UAAP title this season and stay in contention after the playing years of incoming fifth-year man Jeron Teng.

Ayo, who led Letran to an NCAA championship last season, was also present on Friday and said that he wasn’t actually sure about Rivero’s venture to the States.

“Hindi ko alam,” said Ayo about Rivero going abroad, “pero hindi na siguro kasi nag commit na saamin.” – Rappler.com