Ricci Rivero to stay in UP and skip PBA draft

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Promises are never meant to be broken.

That’s what Ricci Rivero said to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons as rumors started to ramp up regarding him joining the big boys in the PBA.

“Pinangako ko yan at gusto kong tuparin ko yan. Hindi lang ito para sa sarili ko, kung hindi para sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa akin,” said Rivero.

With his peers and basketball batchmates already joining the PBA draft, Rivero said he is firm with his decision of staying with the Fighting Maroons and lead the school in its quest to once again be the kings of UAAP basketball.

Forming one of the best rosters the UAAP has ever seen together with high-leaping Kobe Paras, star center Bright Akhuetie and former UST King Tiger CJ Cansino, Rivero said he vows to deliver a title for the school in his final year.

The Fighting Maroons bowed to the UST Growling Tigers in last year’s UAAP season and failed to book a rematch against Thirdy Ravena’s Ateneo Blue Eagles in hopes of getting back at them after losing to the boys in blue two years ago.

As the off-season continues and a proposed bubble is already in talks within the UAAP board, Rivero and the Fighting Maroons are still continuing their individual workouts to prepare for the upcoming season.