When Ricci Rivero first stepped foot into the Meralco Gym, a good number of fans approached him to ask for a photo.
Rivero obliged and, after he took photos with them, immediately went to his seniors June Mar Fajardo and Troy Rosario, who were seated and being taped.
That moment summed up what the young cager was meant to do on Monday evening – pay respects to PBA stars whom he idolizes, and learn as much from them as he can.
“Siyempre, thankful first kay God, sa coaches, and sa buong management for giving me the chance to join and to participate,” shared the former De La Salle Green Archer.
To be called up for selection in the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers is an achievement in itself for Rivero, considering he is still in residency for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. And the UAAP Season 80 Mythical Five team member is already counting his blessings.
“Ang naiisip ko naman is not really makapasok sa team or something like that.
“Ang iniisip ko lang is kung ano yung dapat kong gawin to learn as a college player na mag-train with the older guys, like siyempre yung mga PBA players and yung makasama sa training yung coaches ng PBA,” said the 20-year-old.
The forward reiterated how thankful he was for the faith that coach Yeng Guiao and the rest of the coaches and management have retained in him, considering he was also in the pool for the 2018 Asian Games. Ultimately, it is all about making the most out of it.
“Hindi mawawala yung experience eh. I have a chance to get to play with the older guys. Yung Asian Games na pool, sobrang dami kong natutunan,” narrated Rivero.
“Dun lang sa mga sinasabing advice ng mga kuya like sina kuya James (Yap), Paul Lee, kuya Gabe (Norwood), yung mga ganun. Sobrang laking bagay nun.”
While he is one of the country’s top basketball prodigies, Rivero understands that he still has a lot to learn. When he leaves the pool, regardless if he is part of the final 12 or not, expect to see a more battle-hardened player.
“Feel ko maturity kasi yung mga experiences na magagawa nila, matutulong nila sa akin, hindi ko makukuha yun sa ibang teams sa pag-te-trainingan ko aside from dito sa Gilas. Feel ko yun lang. Maturity and siguro yung mga advice nila if may mga magsasabi sa akin during the (training),” explained Rivero.
“Basta makikinig lang ako ngayon sa mga sasabihin nila.”
