Back in 2015, the freshly-minted Green Archers head coach Aldin Ayo and De La Salle University were on a roll during the off-season, having enlisted three hotshot recruits. These were Aljun Melecio of De La Salle-Zobel, Justine Baltazar of Nazareth School of National University, and Ricci Rivero of La Salle Green Hills.
Melecio was able to pick up steam in his very first year, but Ayo remained patient with Rivero. And when Jeron Teng exhausted his years of eligibility, he was able to unleash Rivero.
The 6-foot-1 swingman was able to help lead the Green Archers to the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Finals while copping the Most Improved Player plum, and was named to the All-UAAP team.
Come 2018, however, Ayo and Rivero are now heading into different paths.
Ayo left the Green Archers last December, taking the post of head coach for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. On the other hand, Rivero announced that he is transferring to the University of the Philippines after being “suspended” by the Green Archers last January.
Once Ayo learned about the news of Rivero’s transfer, he commented that he was glad his former ward has finally found a new home.
“Palaging may kukuha dun eh, laging may kukuha [sa ganung talent].
“He’s that good. Pero now that he’s in UP, well I’m happy for him. I’m happy for his family. I wish him luck,” Ayo shared Friday evening.
Ayo disclosed a talk he had with Rivero last December when the Green Archer wanted to leave the school back then. However, the youthful mentor did not want him to leave as he wanted Rivero to finish his studies in La Salle.
“Nung nag usap kami, noong umalis na ako sa La Salle, sabi ko, ‘Huwag kang umalis ng La Salle. Stick ka diyan sa La Salle, tapusin mo yung pag aaral mo. Pero kung talagang gusto mong panibagong mapaglalaruan, actually I advised him to go pro eh. Pero kung mag-pro ka, tapusin mo pag-aaral mo. Puwede naman na sa PBA ka magpa draft ka tapos bumalik ka sa La Salle eh,” Ayo shared.
“That was my advice to him.”
Rivero decided not to go pro, instead taking his talents to Diliman. Ayo was not surprised with Rivero’s decision. Moreover, his decision is not just good for UP, but for the UAAP as well, said Ayo.
“Ricci going to UP, hindi ako na surprise eh.
“Actually sila talaga yung sa tingin ko pupuntahan ni Ricci. And I think it’s good for the league. Actually sa akin nga rin eh. Pag-transfer ko from La Salle to UST, I think everybody benefited from it,” Ayo expressed. “Kung makikita natin, yung La Salle ngayon maganda yung tinatakbo nila. At the same time sa amin naman, yung UST, well, malaki rin inimprove namin. And we’re really working hard to be competitive.
“I think it’s good for the UAAP, good for the league.”
Even if they now represent different schools, Ayo could not help but be proud of the stand Rivero made.
“Now that he’s in UP, well I’m happy for him. I’m happy for his family. I wish him luck.”
