Basketball runs in the Rivero family and this was evident on Friday as La Salle Green Hills took on University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Basketball Tournament.
Among the crowd stood Ricci Rivero, a former Greenie, with his brother Rasheed by his side, supporting their younger sibling Gelo who was playing for their alma mater.
Ricci was all smiles being in the NCAA, this time as a supporter.
“I’m just happy for the kids, not just Green Hills but all the high school players because they’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said the 24-year-old free agent out of University of the Philippines.
Despite La Salle’s 0-2 win-loss record after losing 77-82 to the Junior Altas, Ricci was there to support his brother and offer words of encouragement.
Throughout the game, Ricci noticed some unfavorable calls for Paolo, but he knew that his younger brother needed to learn from them.
“Maybe it was just some unfavorable calls for him or that’s just what the referees saw. He just needs to adjust from that,” he said.
Gelo had a rough game, going scoreless after playing 14 minutes. He went 0-of-4 shooting from the field, committed three turnovers, and was assessed five fouls.
But despite this, the two-time UAAP Champion had some inspiring words for his little brother who is trying to follow in his footsteps.
“Work ethic lang, on and off the court. Kung may nakakakita man sa ‘yo or not, yung free time mo bigay mo na yon sa extra work. Mostly dun na lang sa work ethic lang talaga.”
The Rivero family has a rich basketball history and it’s clear that their love for the sport runs deep. From their father Paolo who played in the amateur leagues to Prince and Ricci who played in the UAAP, basketball has always been a big part of their lives. And now, with Gelo following in their footsteps, it’s exciting to see what the future holds for the Rivero family and their love for basketball.
For Ricci, he’s just happy to be able to support his brothers and watch them play.
“I’m just proud of them and I’m here to support them every step of the way,” he said.
Being a former player himself, Ricci offers valuable insights and advice to his younger brothers. He’s seen it all, from the highs of winning championships to the lows of losing games. And now, he’s using his experience to help his brothers reach their full potential.
Basketball has the ability to bring families together and this is evident with the Riveros. From cheering on their brothers from the sidelines to offering words of encouragement, the love and support within the Rivero family is undeniable.
It’s not just about the wins and losses for the Rivero family, but it’s about the love and passion for the sport. Whether it’s Ricci on the sidelines or Gelo on the court, the Rivero family is dedicated to basketball and it’s clear that their love for the sport will only continue to grow.
