By JEROME LAGUNZAD
The arrival of high-flying guard Ricci Rivero to University of the Philippines could only be the first of many. And that should further excite the title-starved Fighting Maroons community.
According to an ever reliable source of Tempo-Bulletin, highly-touted Kobe Paras could also make his way to Diliman as the former La Salle-Greenhills appears to stay home for good after an unproductive stint in the United States.
The 6-foot-6 Paras, 20, suited up for Gilas Pilipinas cadets in the Filoil Premier Cup where he teamed up with some UP standouts like wingman Paul Desiderio, sophomore guard Juan Gomez De Liaño, rookie center Will Gozum and the 6-foot-1 Rivero, who formally announced his transfer from powerhouse La Salle last Friday.
Sought to comment yesterday for the big possibility, UP coach Bo Perasol admitted that they’re keeping their options open. “For as long as he’s willing to play for our program, why not? Malaking addition ang tulad niya (Paras),” he said.
“Although wala pa kaming usapan ng magulang ni Kobe o kaya ni Kobe mismo, lahat naman yan magiging possible naman if both parties will be open to it. ‘Yun ang importante – open ‘yung both parties.
“Kahit wala pang decision that will be made, ang importante ay open kami dyan and they’re willing to play for our program. We have to see kung ano ang mga possibilities. It’s actually more on their side kasi marami pa naman options si Kobe.”
That could include the Fighting Maroons first and foremost since Kobe’s father, Benjie, steered UP to its first-ever UAAP crown back in 1986 and his elder brother, actor and model Andre, started his collegiate career in the same school in 2013.
For now, Perasol is just thrilled to have Rivero, 20, at his disposal even if the reigning UAAP Most Improved Player and a member of last year’s Mythical Team will still have to undergo a one-year residency.
“He’s a big addition to our program,” said Perasol of the former Green Archers star who averaged 13.8 points on 48 percent shooting on top of 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last year.
“He can only play next year pero right now kasi, it’s more than what happens outside the court. Ang importante is that we can excite the community again. I mean, for him to choose our program, it’s a plus for us. Malaking bagay sa amin ‘yun kasi it gives credibility doon sa mga ginagawa namin.”
Perasol added that he’s not rushing Rivero even if he can already join their training sessions next week.
“I’m not pressuring him kasi marami pa siyang inaasikaso. Ang importante is everybody already knew he committed to us already. If he wants to play in the off-season, marami pa naman kaming mga tournaments na sinasalihan,” he concluded.
