Phoenix secures Ricci Rivero to two-year contract

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters are ready to kick off their upcoming PBA season with more added young reinforcement led by two-time UAAP champion Ricci Rivero.

Rivero will be officially embarking on his new journey in the PBA after the Fuel Masters inked him to a two-year contract deal last October 2, 2023.

Specific details including the terms and conditions weren’t announced but Rivero will have the chance to prove his worth until the 2025 season of the league.

Selected as the 17th overall pick during the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft, the hybrid guard is ready to help Phoenix reclaim glory since the departure of their former franchise player Matthew Wright who is now playing in the Japan B. League.

The shifty scoring guard was once a staple member of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team and has also suited up on the FIBA 3×3 international stage several years ago.

Rivero was supposed to play in the professional hoops league of Taiwan but an unfortunate injury forced the franchise to terminate his contract, the reason why he flew back to the Philippines.

Phoenix team manager Paolo Bugia reiterated that the entire Fuel Masters franchise can’t wait for Rivero’s debut and will be a good fit for their playing system.

Calling the shots for the Fuel Masters is head coach Jamike Jarin who also mentored Rivero when he was still a member of the Batang Gilas squad.

Aside from Rivero, the Fuel Masters also signed sixth overall pick Ken Tuffin, bruising forward Raffy Verano, and center Matthew Daves.