After months of speculation regarding his future, Ricci Rivero has decided to end his stay in De La Salle University.
The two-year Green Archer made the announcement on social media platform Twitter.
“All good things come to an end.
“Thank You to the La Sallian community for the support you’ve given me. The Animo spirit will always be with me. It’s now time to move forward,” the tweet read.
This comes in the wake of the controversial “leave of absence” of Ricci, his brother Prince, and Brent Paraiso from the team last February.
La Salle’s Office of Sports Development claimed that the trio asked for a leave due to their obligations to the brands they endorse. However, based on the accounts released by the younger Rivero and Paraiso last March, the two cleared their names from rumors saying that their team suspension came from them testing positive for illegal substance.
The loss of Ricci though will be a tough blow to the rebuilding Green Archers.
During the off-season, two-time Most Valuable Player Ben Mbala decided to go pro while Aldin Ayo left to coach the UST Growling Tigers.
Moreover, the 19-year-old swingman was pivotal in the Green Archers’ silver campaign in the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
After averaging norms of 5.5 points and 1.0 rebounds in his rookie year, the 6-foot-1 guard made the leap, raising his averages to 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals. This paved the way for him to bag the Most Improved Player plum and a spot in the All-UAAP team.
Most likely, Prince Rivero, Brent Paraiso and his sister Bernice, who plays for the DLSU Lady Archers, will follow suit. Even if he has played for four years, Prince is still eligible to play one more year even after residency due to the “5-for-7” rule. Ricci and Prince are still eligible to play three more years.
