Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Ricci Rivero still has utmost respect for Jack Santiago


Ricci Rivero finally spoke about his involvement in recent controversy with University of the East head coach Jack Santiago.

The first-year mentor was allegedly heard instructing his players to deliberately harm Rivero in their game last Saturday.

After a thorough review of the incident, UAAP Season 84 basketball commissioner Tonichi Pujante initially recommended to suspend Santiago for the remainder of the first round – three games. However, they downgraded the sanction and reduced it to two games after the UE head coach appealed to the commissioner’s office.

In a statement released through Virtual Playground, the 23-year-old swingman claimed that he still respects Santiago and will trust the decision made by the league officials.

“I will leave the decision to the Commissioner and the UAAP Board. I trust that they know what’s best for us athletes and the league,” Rivero stressed.

“Coach Jack and I together with Coach Jamike [Jarin] are friends and I have so much respect for them. I just hope he’s not serious when he said that.”

The Isabela native also insisted that the incident won’t get in his way for the remainder of their campaign. Instead, he is focusing on helping his team win.

Rivero, meanwhile, is off to a good start to the season. He has averaged 15.8 points through four games played in the first round.

“I don’t think it will affect me because I believe that intentionally hurting someone will not help you win. I will just focus on our goal this season and leave it all to God to watch over me,” he said.

#ReadMore  Ateneo's WVT makes sure to get back at UP for MBT bros

Santiago will serve his suspension in their next two games against Far Eastern University and Ateneo De Manila University.

An unnamed game official of the UP-UE bout will also received a one-gameday suspension. This, after failing to act on the situation despite hearing Santiago’s instructions to his players.

All UAAP games stream live on GigaPlay presented by Yamaha. Download it now on Android or IOS.SMART-x-Yamaha Ricci Rivero still has utmost respect for Jack Santiago Basketball News UAAP UP  - philippine sports news

Written By




You May Also Like

Uncategorized

University of the Philippines and National University stunned their higher-seeded rivals to forge a surprise title showdown in the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th...

AU

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines flexed its might in the quarterfinals of the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup presented by...

AdU

De La Salle University completed a clean sweep of the elimination round, while defending UAAP champion University of the Philippines wrapped up with back-to-back...

Basketball

Despite being a champion with the University of the Philippines, Dikachi Ududo has not forgotten his roots. The 21-year-old recently sent sporting gear and...

Basketball

University of the Philippines’ “residency boys” are staying busy during their sit-out year. Veejay Pre, James Payosing, Rainer Maga, and Russell Ogana are reinforcing...

Basketball

The UAAP’s freshman class of 2025 is shaping up to be a promising one, headlined by five towering big men who could become the...

Basketball

After a long and difficult decision-making process, Migs Palanca has finally chosen where he will take the next step in his basketball journey. And...

Basketball

University of the Philippines is going all-out starting UAAP Season 88, announcing a three-year partnership with global sportswear brand PUMA during an event held...

Advertisement