Former La Salle star Ricci Rivero has decided to bring his high-flying act to the University of the Philippines yesterday, giving the Fighting Maroons another potent weapon in their bid to become a legitimate title contender in the UAAP.
The 6-foot-1 Rivero made his stunning announcement through his personal Twitter account (@ricciiirivero) showing a photo of him donning a white shirt of the Fighting Maroons.
“When you’re down, there’s nowhere to go but UP. Diliman, here I come,” said the younger Rivero, 20, in his stunning tweet that already garnered more than 1,800 retweets and 10,000 likes as of posting time.
The addition of the talented Rivero should be a welcome development for a UP side determined to finally make it back to the Final Four round since 1997 and eventually recapture the elusive crown which it last hoisted back in 1986.
Rivero, named as the Most Improved Player and selected as a member of the Mythical Team last year courtesy of his solid averages of 13.8 points in 48 percent shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, is set to undergo a one-year residency and will only make his league return in Season 82.
Rivero, considered by many as a future PBA star, should only make the Fighting Maroons more dangerous by teaming up with the likes of Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie, guard Juan Gomez de Liano, and big man Will Gozum next season. (Jerome Lagunzad)
