MANILA – Former De La Salle University Green Archers star Ricci Rivero is thankful to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons for giving him a “second chance” to play in the UAAP.
Rivero, who got embroiled in an illegal drug use issue while at the De La Salle University, said he feels welcome in the Maroons.
“If a school is willing to give me an opportunity to keep playing in the UAAP and keep growing as a basketball player and as a person, then I will gratefully accept it and do everything I can do to help that school win a championship,” said the 19-year-old.
“I am thankful that UP has offered me a chance to continue chasing my dreams and I am honored to announce that I have accepted their invitation to join the Fighting Maroons,” he added.
Some of his Maroons teammates – Andres Desiderio, Juan Gomez de Llano and Will Gozum – he also played with in Gilas Pilipinas, Rivero said.
“Family, friends and Gilas teammates were raving about how supportive the UP community was,” he said. “They told me that UP fans were crazy about the team and were there for them win or lose.”
Green Archers sacked Rivero, along with brother Rashleigh and teammate Brent Paraiso, after they were rumored to have tested positive for illegal drug use. Ricci and Paraiso have denied this.
Paraiso recently committed to play for University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, where he was reunited with former Green Archers mentor Aldin Ayo, while Rashleigh is likely to move to Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League./PN
