Ricci and Prince Rivero were donning green and white jerseys on Wednesday evening at the Meralco Gym. But this time around, they did not have “La Salle” emblazoned on their fronts — they were representing “Pilipinas”.
The last three months have been turbulent, to say the least, for the Rivero brothers. After the siblings, together with good friend Brent Paraiso, asked for a “leave of absence” from the De La Salle University Green Archers, Ricci decided to leave the school altogether two months later. Prince, on the other hand, chose to stay silent.
Prince, who is two years older than Ricci, disclosed that he is still with La Salle but instead is focusing on finishing his degree.
“I’m gonna study muna kasi malapit ko na matapos yung college. Iba rin kasi kapag nakapaglaro ka ng college at nakapagtapos ka,” the 6-foot-4 power forward shared.
“Yung basketball nandiyan lang siya and whatever happens [knocks on wood], I have a fall back.”
Ricci is still taking his time on where he will transfer.
“Meron pa akong until August para mag-decide. Pero sa ngayon, focus ko muna is with RP.
“Siyempre, iba dito, country na ang nirerepresent. We have to be at our best,” the 20-year-old shared.
And being at his best is what Prince is focusing on, as he is currently a man on a mission.
After a spectacular first two years with the Green Archers that saw him be part of the 2015 Southeast Asian Games squad, the burly forward did not receive the same number of minutes he had in the next two years of his collegiate career. That is why he is planning to regain his competitive fire by taking part in the practices of the Gilas Cadets.
“Dati I was part of the RP na nung under-16 and under-18. I was part of the RP na nagpunta sa Singapore. Then akala ko magtutuloy tuloy na,” reflected Prince. “But I have committments sa La Salle. Unfortunately, I had to leave RP and focus on my team.
“For two years, I haven’t played for RP. Feel ko yung experience na dapat na dapat kong nakuha, di ko nakuha while I was there.
“Though I’m still thankful to be part of La Salle na nakakuha ng championship,” he added. “As of now I’m gonna focus sa RP and try to get drafted sa D-League. I have a lot of time pa to decide whether to continue playing for college or go to semi pro na or focus on RP.
“Like what I said kanina, dream ko to e, now na hawak ko na siya di na ako papayag mawala pa like nangyari before. So I’m gonna prioritize this.”
Safe to say, the Rivero brothers are back where they belong.
